How Could You? Hall of Shame-Robert Gaskill UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From River Forest, Illinois, adoptive and foster parent Robert L. Gaskill, 63, was charged on Friday, February 3, 2012 with sexual abuse of two girls. He has been foster parent to about 75 children, most with disabilities. “In 2009, the Gaskills had 12 children, four biological, six adopted and two in foster care.”

He “was ordered held Saturday in lieu of $50 million full cash bond by Judge Gregory P. Vasquez.
In bond court Saturday, prosecutors said Gaskill sexually abused two adolescent girls over a period from 1996 to 2009.

He is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Maybrook Courthouse in Maywood. Sources said the case is expected to go to a grand jury for possible formal indictment.

A River Forest detective assisted by members of the WEDGE task force arrested Gaskill at his home Thursday. On Friday the Cook County State’s Attorney approved two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, which is a Class X felony.

Gaskill and his wife have operated a foster care service in their large three-story frame home on Ashland Avenue, and a foster care support system called Tapestry Chicago. He also served on the board of the River Forest Youth Soccer program and was a program coordinator in the late 1990s.

Gaskill currently works as the marketing director at Lydia Home in Chicago, a residential facility for abused children. He previously worked for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Gaskill is also a former publisher of the Oak Leaves/Pioneer Press West Group, where he worked for 16 years until the mid 1980s. Following that, he was the president and publisher of Chicago Catholic Publications, which publishes the Chicago Archdiocese’s official newspaper, the New World.

Gaskill was not currently an employee of the Catholic New World or New World Publications, Archdiocese of Chicago spokeswoman Susan Burritt said Saturday. She did not immediately have any information on when he had served as publisher for Chicago Catholic Publications.

Another sick case where there was no accountability before, during or after placements.

Update: “The large home on Ashland Avenue is surrounded by a white picket fence, the only fenced-in yard on the block. Curtains and makeshift drapes cover all of the home’s windows. A pan of baked goods and a note from a well-wisher remain on the front porch.

Neighbors say it’s a startling contrast to the usual daily activity at the home in the 600 block of Ashland Avenue, typically filled with children playing and friends of the well-known Gaskill family dropping by.

But since shocking allegations of sexual abuse surfaced over the weekend, the three-story home has been empty.

“I have always, always loved children, and for me, it’s the innocence of them and the need for close adult mentoring and modeling and advocating and love in this busy crazy world,” Mary Gaskill told Wednesday Journal in a 2009 story. “We know there are a lot of great foster families out there, but we also know there are a lot of things that are real messy in the world, so we do whatever we can, in big and small ways.”

Investigators say the case began to unfold late last month, when the two women walked into the River Forest police station to file their report, which alleged a pattern of sexual abuse from 1996 to 2009. Authorities would not release the current ages of the alleged victims, or say how old they were when the alleged abuse began.

On Thursday, officers arrested Gaskill at his River Forest home. Neighbors say the news stunned the idyllic neighborhood, situated just up the block from St. Luke Parish School.

“If it’s true, it’s tragic for everyone involved,” said Jim August, Gaskill’s next-door neighbor for more than 20 years. “I hope the family has the strength and faith to see them through this.”

A spokesman for state’s Department of Children and Family Services said three adopted children and two foster children living in the River Forest home were removed and placed into other homes.

The charges have sent shockwaves through the foster care community. David Anderson, executive director of the child welfare agency LYDIA Home Association, where Gaskill began work as a part-time marketing director in May 2011, said the organization was “deeply saddened” to learn of the charges.

“Our hearts go out to the alleged victims and the Gaskill family,” he said.

The Gaskills also co-founded Tapestry Chicago, a foster care support service that helps guide potential foster parents through the adoption process.The Tapestry Chicago website does not list a phone number. An email to the agency and phone calls to members of “The Tapestry Team,” which includes a medical consultant and a pediatrician with a “special interest in evaluating child abuse,” were not immediately returned.

On Monday, police remained tight-lipped about the investigation, except to say they’re working with DCFS and that no other victims had come forward.

“I know we’re going to continue to investigate. Where that takes us, I’m not sure,” Police Chief Gregory Weiss said. “I’m hoping for the sake of victims that it’s limited. But when there is up to 75 children that might be involved, who knows where it might end up.”Investigation Continues Into Sex Abuse Allegations
[Oak Park Patch 2/6/12 by Casey Cora]

Update 2: The victims’ ages and gender are revealed.

“The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two Class X felony charges against Gaskill. The charge is predatory criminal sexual assault against a child. The incidents allegedly occurred between 1996 and 2009, according to a statement from River Forest police.

River Forest Police Sgt. Marty Grill said the female victims are now 19 and 21 and do not reside in River Forest. Three adopted children and two foster children who had recently been in the Gaskill home have now been removed and shifted to other homes, said Department of Children and Family Services spokesman Kendall Marlowe. Deputy Police Chief Craig Rutz said the alleged victims had not been taken from the home but could not say whether or not they lived there previously.

Gaskill voluntarily accompanied local police and officials from the West Suburban Enhanced Drug and Gang Enforcement (WEDGE) Task Force from his home to the police station, where he was arrested. Rutz could not say if Gaskill made any statements to police at that time. Bond was set at $50 million during a bond hearing Saturday at the Maybrook courthouse. Gaskill will face a preliminary hearing on Feb. 9.

“It took us quite a while to figure out whether this was completely valid or not,” said Rutz, noting that the victims came to the police station to report the incidents a couple of weeks ago, but he could not give details about their relationships to Gaskill because of the ongoing investigation.

In addition to his department, Rutz said the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, WEDGE, and DCFS are involved in the investigation.”

“In 2009 Wednesday Journal named the couple Villager of the Year runners-up in recognition of their work as foster parents. At that time, the Journal reported that the family had 11 children: four biological, six adopted and one foster. [Another award-winning foster parent in our archive.]

The recognition followed a feature story in the Journal about the relationship between two of the foster children in the Gaskill home. A teenage son with autism had sponsored a fundraising run to raise awareness for a life-threatening illness which afflicted his 3-year-old foster sister. That young girl died a few months after the story ran in the Journal.

In the Journal’s 2009 article, Mary Gaskill talked about the pledge she and her husband made shortly after their marriage that they would open their home to foster children.

“I have always, always loved children,” she said, “and for me, it’s the innocence of them and the need for close adult mentoring and modeling and advocating and love in this busy, crazy world.”

“A River Forest foster dad will face a direct indictment on sexual assault charges when he returns to court later this month. That action was set by a judge at a preliminary hearing Thursday[February 9, 2012] morning.”

“Wise did not grant a request made by Seago that Gaskill be taken to a hospital for blood work due to potential prostate cancer and high cholesterol. Wise said he needed to see something in writing that a doctor had ordered the work. Gaskill has already been given medication for his blood pressure, Seago said. The cancer has not been diagnosed.

Seago also requested that someone bring Gaskill his Bible and glasses. Wise entered an order that will be left up to the Cook County Jail to decide. Gaskill is currently being held there on $50 million bail.

The case will be taken before a grand jury when Gaskill is back in court Feb. 24.

Police have said two women, ages 19 and 21, came to the River Forest police station last month and said Gaskill sexually assaulted them as juveniles between 1996 and 2009. The women no longer live in River Forest, and police can’t confirm whether they previously lived in the Gaskill home. Gaskill was arrested Feb. 2.”

“In a show of solidarity and support, dozens of Robert Gaskill’s friends and family stood silently as he entered a Cook County courtroom on Thursday. A bailiff sternly ordered them to sit back down.
Gaskill mouthed the words “I love you” to the gathered crowd before facing judge William Wise at a preliminary hearing at the Maybrook courthouse. ”

Gaskill, 63, appeared in Cook County court before Judge Geary Kull Friday morning. The two criminal complaints filed against Gaskill were superseded by the indictments, prosecutors said.

Gaskill is charged with two felony counts of predatory sexual assault against a child after allegations surfaced earlier this month that he’d abused two young girls in his care for more than a decade. He’s currently being held in protective custody at the Cook County Jail.

At Friday’s hearing, defense attorney Kelly Seago withdrew as Gaskill’s counsel and was replaced by attorney Ellen Domph, who indicated she would be filing a motion to reduce the extraordinarily high $50 million cash bond attached to Gaskill’s Feb. 2 arrest.

As they did in a previous hearing, Gaskill’s friends and family packed the courtroom in a show of support and rose from their seats to show support as Gaskill, clad in a yellow jail jumpsuit, entered the courtroom. Again, bailiffs quickly ordered them to sit down.

Gaskill is scheduled to appear for an arraignment before Judge Noreen Love on March 16.”

“Details were not made available from the Cook County State’s Attorney because indictments were “red flagged.”

“That means they’re pretty much on lock down,” said Sue Rock of the Maybrook 4th District county clerk’s office. “It’s never going to be made public, due to the ages of the victims.”

Such files, she said, can only be disclosed with the permission of a judge.

Prior to the hearing, Gaskill’s defense attorney, Kelly L. Seago, received permission to withdraw as his attorney. She was replaced by veteran defense attorney Ellen R. Domph.

Domph made a motion for a reduction of a bond currently set at $50 million cash, and informed the court she would be filing a written motion. She asked that a hearing be scheduled sooner than March 16, but was told the grand jury filings would not be ready before that date.

The judge said any ruling on bond reduction would be up to Judge Noreen Love, though he did state the bond was one that “no human could make.”

After waiting some 90 minutes in the hall and another 30 minutes in the courtroom for her husband, Mark Cook Gaskill sat quietly with a hand by her chin as she waited for him to arrive shortly before 11 a.m.

As they did at Gaskill’s arraignment, the 30 supporters started to stand when Gaskill entered the court, but were immediately admonished by two court bailiff’s, who waved downward and said, “Sit, sit!”

As Gaskill left the courtroom, people smiled quietly, waved and blew kisses to him.

Gaskill’s next court date is in Love’s courtroom on at 9:30 a.m. March 16. “

Update 5: More details and a hearing today allowing Robert out on bail, no contact with minors AND the article claims that there was a confession.

“A $50 million cash bond was reduced for a River Forest foster parent accused of sexually abusing two girls, and details of the 16-count indictment against him were revealed in court Friday.

Robert Gaskill, 63, is free on $250,000 bond — which required a 10 percent cash deposit — but with stipulations. He had been held in protective isolation at County Jail the past six weeks, in lieu of a $50 million full cash bond.

Judge Noreen Valeria Love rejected a no bond motion by prosecutors, siding with defense attorney Ellen Domph, who cited, among other things, Gaskill’s many friends and family.[What?]

“This is not a man who needs to be in custody pretrial,” Domph told the judge. [uh..because why?]

Gaskill will be on house arrest and electronic monitoring. He will only be allowed to leave to visit his doctor and church. Love also ordered him to stay away from any minors. [One would hope so.]

Domph told Love that Gaskill will be living in an apartment, not his River Forest home, where his wife, Mary, continues to care for several children. [Why aren’t charges being considered on Mary?]

The judge gave Gaskill a blunt warning.

“I want you to understand, Mr. Gaskill, the way it’s set up, if you’re at a certain (permitted) location, (the sheriff) will send an officer by that location. And if you’re not there, off to jail you’ll go.”

During the arraignment hearing, prosecutors disclosed the charges, which includes two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13, three counts of criminal sexual assault involving force and two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.

Prosecutors said Gaskill began sexually abusing the two girls, identified as Amber and Misty, at different times. Misty when she was 6 or 7 years old in 1996, Amber “about 12” when the alleged abuse started in 2004.

Many of the alleged incidents reportedly occurred after Gaskill had returned home after drinking in Oak Park, prosecutors said. The acts involved “digital penetration,” as well as various inappropriate touching and kissing.

In addition, Gaskill allegedly told police in a verbal confession an hour after his arrest that he had a “biting fetish” and had the girls bite him on various parts of his body to arouse him sexually.

Prosecutors argued that the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the prepubescent ages of the victims called for Gaskill to be held on no bond.

The defense attorney called into question the girls’ motives for making the accusations, and argued that their allegation came years after their alleged abuse. One of the girl’s recollections came 14 months, not days, after she said she became concerned that another foster child in the Gaskill’s care might be in danger.

Domph also stressed that although prosecutors say Gaskill gave police a verbal confession, there is no written confession.

Any concern over Gaskill being a flight risk, Domph said, was more than balanced by his deep and wide connections to the community.

“His family ties, to put it mildly, are extraordinary,” Domph told Love.

That support system was clearly in evidence Friday morning, as more than 40 people crowded in to Love’s courtroom while a dozen others waited outside.

Update 6: Thanks to our readers for getting the case in the news again. Rally did contact this journalist weeks ago and is glad that the case is being spotlighted ahead of the next court date!

“A blog dedicated to child welfare has become a forum for anonymous River Forest residents to weigh in on the case of Robert Gaskill.”

“As the case has unfolded, an activist website called REFORM (Rally Ethics for Orphans an At-Risk Minors) Talk has become the de facto forum for community discussion. The blog acts as part message board, part resource agency (it’s MO: “We are on the side of justice and to give voice to the voiceless and powerless, and in this case it means the CHILDREN”) and occasionally highlights troubling cases across the country.

The page on the Gaskill case, originally a collection of local news stories and updates, has exploded with anonymous comments, many from people claiming to be River Forest residents, former family friends of the Gaskills or members of their church.

The authenticity of those claims is nearly impossible to determine: not a single person has put a real name to a comment.

But the discussions are specific and detailed, with some posters maintaining they’ve been to the Gaskill house for parties, that they’ve bumped into the family at the River Forest Tennis Club or were once members of the family’s “inner circle.”

Many have claimed the Gaskills verbally and emotionally abused the two girls who’ve come forward with the allegations. Some commenters are expressing regret that they didn’t speak out against what they saw.

“We are remembering a home in which we saw mistreatment of the adopted/foster children in our presence by our very eyes,” one writer said.

Says another: “I was once in the inner circle and was often confused by much of what I witnessed. It took awhile to wise up and make the decision to pull away, a tricky dance as there were relationships built between the children, as well as the reality of the family’s widespread involvement and influence in the church we attended.”

Commenters on the forum are pledging to write letters of support for the alleged victims and urging residents to contact police and state child welfare agencies about what they’ve seen.

The comments on the forum may be a reaction to the support for Gaskill shown by his family, friends and church members. During earlier hearings they packed the court room in a show of unity and solidarity.

River Forest Police Department Chief Gregory Weiss said he hadn’t heard of the website, and said he wasn’t aware of any letters that had been written on behalf of, or in support of, the victims.

“What we’d do with those letters, if they’re of evidentiary value, we’d have to give them to the State’s Attorney’s Office as part of their evidence,” Weiss said. “But saying ‘I feel bad’ or ‘I feel guilty’ or that ‘I should’ve recognized the signs’ isn’t of evidentiary value.”

During an arraignment hearing at the Maybrook courthouse in March, prosecutors laid out their charges, including allegations that Gaskill’s drinking led to inappropriate kissing, touching and “digital penetration” of the girls, and that they were forced to indulge his biting fetish.”

“Prosecutors also said Gaskill confessed to the abuse after his Feb. 2 arrest.

Gaskill’s new attorney Ellen Domph, the defense attorney who replaced lawyer Kelly Seago after she withdrew as Gaskill’s counsel, attempted to clarify that by saying a written confession does not exist. Calls to Domph seeking comment for this story were not returned.

Gaskill requested to be kept in protective custody at the Cook County jail, where he was held after his Feb. 2 arrest. After coming up with the $25,000 bond, his March 17 release from jail came with stipulations: He’s under electronic monitoring at an undiclosed location and will only be allowed to visit his doctor and his church. He’s been ordered to keep away from minors.

The state’s Department of Children and Family Services in February said three adopted children and two foster children living in the River Forest home were removed and placed into other homes.”

I want to point out that this article states that Robert REQUESTED to be in protective custody. There have been commenters that are Pro-Gaskill that lamented that he was in jail.

Update 7: We wanted to add a few more related items to this case. First, the Illinois DCFS was put on probation on January 11, 2012 for an unknown period of time by the accrediting body Council on Accreditation (COA). See the link here.

Mary was working as a Church & Community Relations Manager for Lydia Home coordinating the Urban word-study program for high school students. See here.

Tapestry Chicago did have a website, but it is now defunct. This loose organization does not appear to have been licensed by the state of Illinois. Parts of the website can be seen on the Wayback Machine.
From the Wayback Machine:

” Tapestry Chicago exists to support people considering adoption and foster care through education, sharing, and personal experience.

Tapestry Chicago is a community of families and individuals that are connected by our passion and interest for adoption and foster care. We are couples and singles alike who feel called to open our hearts to children in need; we are families with children who look like their parents and families with children who do not; we are those who are in the waiting process; we are those trying to decide if adoption is right for our families. We are those contemplating sharing our lives with children in foster care. In the end, we all are weaving our lives by the common passion for children and family. We believe that God is doing something truly remarkable among us as He forms families and transforms lives through the miracle of each child.

We encourage you to start the process by sharing your concerns and questions. Our Tapestry Chicago community will walk beside you by sharing their knowledge and experiences.”

” About Tapestry Chicago

Tap-es-try [tap-uh-stree] n. – a fabric woven together by hand to produce a rich and complex design, often consisting of multi-colored threads

Our purpose is to help children and families as they travel the adoption or foster care journey. It is a road some of us have traveled before and continue to traverse today. While all who have been touched by the miracle of adoption share a common bond, each journey is unique and presents its own joys and challenges. As a result, we seek to come alongside adoptive and foster families, as well as those who are considering or are in the process of adopting or becoming licensed. We are ready to connect, encourage, inform, and equip fellow travelers on their unique adoption or foster care journey. Moreover, Tapestry Chicago stands ready to resource children and families in foster care so that their experience can be all that it can be.”

” Connect, Encourage, Inform, & Equip

Tapestry Chicago provides a loving, supportive and authentic community that encourages families along their adoption journey. It has been our experience that communities such as ours are a unique resource at each stage in the adoption or foster process, and are particularly valuable to families during the difficult times. For those families we offer our prayers, our love and support, our friendship and the collective wisdom and insight of those who have already successfully navigated similar paths.

We also provide quality, objective information about adoption and foster care. This includes honest and accurate information about the adoption and foster care process and a realistic understanding of both the joys and challenges adoptive and foster families often face. We focus specifically on helping those who are considering adoption or foster care to make informed decisions based on facts and realities, rather than idealized notions. Recognizing that in many ways the journey has only begun when a child is welcomed into a family, we also provide effective information and educational resources as well as support and encouragement for adoptive families to help them as they continue along their journey.”
Lastly, there is one active link on the Wayback Machine for their website. It is a foster parent meetup group. We do not know if the Gaskills participated in this group or if any of these members were there to support the Gaskills at the initial hearings. ” Oak Park/River Forest Area Foster and Adoptive Family Meetup”

Update 8: “A judge agreed on Thursday to modify the monitoring conditions for a River Forest foster dad accused of sexual assault so he could let visitors into his apartment, do laundry and attend his daughter’s college graduation in June.

Judge Noreen Love told attorney Ellen Domph that she would “absolutely” draft a court order so that Domph’s client, Robert Gaskill, could attend his daughter’s June 9 graduation from DePaul University. Love said the order would be specific on the location and time of the event.

During the status hearing at Maybrook courthouse, Gaskill, 64, stood in front of Love in an orange button-down shirt, dark jacket and khaki pants. He’s been out of jail on electronic monitoring for about 40 days, Domph told Love.

“I do not think he’s a danger or a flight risk,” she said.

Gaskill pleaded not guilty last month to charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. The charges came after two women, now 19 and 21, told River Forest police in January that Gaskill sexually assaulted them when one was between 12 and 17 years old and the other was between 6 and 9.

Gaskill and his wife, Mary, had operated a foster care service out of theirAshland Avenuehome since 1992.

Domph also asked Love to modify Gaskill’s monitoring conditions so he would be able to go to the second-floor laundry room and buzz people into the apartment where he is now living. Love said she would draft a court order.

Another status hearing on the case will be held at 9:30 a.m. on June 19.”

“A one-time newspaper publisher, Gaskill was at the helm of Oak Leaves/Pioneer Press West Group and later served as the president and publisher of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s newspaper The Catholic New World. More recently, he’s worked as a part-time marketing director for the LYDIA Home Association, a child welfare agency.

The Gaskills also co-founded Tapestry Chicago, a foster care support service that helps guide potential foster parents through the adoption process.

In 2009, the Gaskills were named runners-up in Wednesday Journal’s Villagers of the Year awards for being “resources to the foster care system as parents, they’ve become go-to members of the community as coaches in foster care and adoption.”

During an arraignment hearing in March, prosecutors laid out their charges, including allegations that Gaskill’s drinking led to inappropriate kissing, touching and “digital penetration” of the girls, and that they were forced to indulge his biting fetish.

On Thursday, Gaskill appeared in court clean-shaven and dressed in khaki slacks, blue blazer and peach colored shirt, cutting a more distinguished figure than the haggard, unshorn inmate who appeared in previous court proceedings. And once again, his family and supporters turned out to the hearing in a show of solidarity.

But the hearing also brought a new crowd to the cramped courtroom — supporters of the alleged victims.”

“A spokesman for the state’s Department of Children and Family Services told Patch that of the five children originally removed from the Gaskill’s River Forest home back in February, three adopted children have been placed back in the home and two foster children were placed elsewhere.”[We have seen this bizarre split of placing some children back into the home and some removed before. We still call upon investigators to screen all previous children in the home and to look into the role Mary Gaskill played in these allegations.]

Update 10: The status hearing occured on August 29, 2012. Robert’s attorney asked for him to be relieved of electronic monitoring. The judge ruled that Robert “will not be let off of electronic monitoring.”

Robert’s attorney “Domph said it seemed like a waste of time for a judge to have to approve every request for Gaskill to be able to go somewhere, like the dentist. He is currently living in an apartment with his brother-in-law in Oak Park, Domph said.

[Judge] Love said there is “no doubt” the system is difficult, but that she didn’t mind the requests. She said she would not take Gaskill off of electronic monitoring.

Gaskill, who stood next to Domph in a navy blue suit and a tie, did not speak. A group of his relatives and supporters, who have been present at his previous hearings, sat in the back row of the courtroom.

Update 11: Robert Gaskill will not be present at the final deposition.

“Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Papa asked Judge Noreen Love for the modification at a status hearing for Robert Gaskill, 64, Monday morning at the Maybrook Courthouse. Papa said victims should not be in close proximity to a defendant.

Gaskill was arrested in February after two women told River Forest police that he sexually assaulted them when they were children. He and his wife, Mary, had operated a foster care service out of their Ashland Avenue home since 1992.

Gaskill’s attorney, Ellen Domph, argued that he’s been present at four of five depositions with victims so far, where he’s sat quietly to the side in a conference room. She said her client is a quiet person and she didn’t file a motion ordering no contact because there had not been any. Domph said it’s been a “very professional proceeding” and “pretty smooth sailing.”

But Papa said the deposition room is small and one of the victims was sobbing at the table. She mentioned the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, which gives a victim the right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

Love said that knowing the defendant is present can be just as intimidating as if the two could see each other.

“He should not be in a location where he can be seen by the complainant,” Love said.

“The judge presiding over the case of a former River Forest foster father who is now facing sexual assault charges said Monday she would sign an order asking for modifications to what his lawyer said were harassing visits from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Citing a log of visits since the end of November, Ellen Domph told Judge Noreen Love that her client, Robert Gaskill, has been visited by representatives from the sheriff’s office at his apartment or at work during mostly reasonable hours. But between Jan. 9 and Jan. 13, Gaskill received at least 10 sheriff’s visits, including several past 2 a.m.

“It has now gone into a level of harassment,” Domph said.

Gaskill, 64, was arrested last February after two women told River Forest police that he sexually assaulted them when one was between 12 and 17 years old and the other between the ages of 6 and 9. He pleaded not guilty in March to charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Gaskill and his wife, Mary, had operated a foster care service out of their Ashland Avenue home since 1992.

At the hearing Monday morning at the Maybrook courthouse, Gaskill stood silent next to Domph in a dark suit and an orange tie. A group of his family members and supporters sat in the first two rows of the courtroom.

Domph said the aggressive nature of the sheriff’s visits have created an unreasonable situation for her client. She’s concerned that sleep interruptions will affect his health, and that he might lose his job or apartment. She asked Love again to release Gaskill from electronic monitoring, which he has been on for 10 months.

Domph said Gaskill was face to face with one of his accusers during resolution of a separate matter in the case, which took place at an earlier date, and she said there was never an incident. Domph called it a trial, but Wednesday Journal learned from a source close to the case that no criminal trial has yet been held. The resolution Domph mentioned would have been a civil matter, the source said.

Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Papa argued Gaskill has been given many opportunities that others in his situation have not gotten. Love had previously lowered his bond from $50 million to $250,000 on the condition he stay on electronic monitoring. She has also modified the monitoring so that Gaskill could buzz visitors into his apartment, do laundry and attend doctor’s appointments.

“It would be a mistake,” Papa said, to take Gaskill off of electronic monitoring.

Love denied Domph’s motion, saying she has made modifications on almost every one of his court dates.

“I am not going to continue to modify,” Love said. Though she agreed to sign an order limiting the sheriff’s visits, Love said she can’t tell their office how to control its operation.

Domph also filed a motion for disciplinary records of officers involved in the case.”

Gaskill’s defense at the February 22, 2013 hearing centered around blaming the police.

“An attorney representing Robert Gaskill hopes that personnel records from River Forest police investigators will help their case.

Gaskill, 64, was arrested last year on allegations that he sexually assaulted two juveniles who were living as foster children in his River Forest home over a 13-year period.

The victims, both female, were between the ages of 12 and 17 years old over the course of the alleged abuse. Gaskill pleaded not guilty to charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in March 2012.

The former publishing executive and his wife have acted as guardians for 75 foster children since 1992.

Gaskill and his lawyer, Ellen Domph, appeared before Cook County Circuit Court Judge Noreen Love on Feb. 22. At the brief hearing, held at the Maybrook courthouse, Love allowed a continuance of the case to March, pending the resolution of a court-ordered subpoena seeking personnel records of members of the River Forest Police Department.

Filed in October, the subpoena requests all documentation of citizens’ complaints filed with the police department over the past decade pertaining to officials who have participated in the Gaskill investigation. Records sought include reprimands, performance evaluations, suspensions and use of excessive force allegations.

The plea includes records for River Forest Detective Sgt. Marty Grill, Officer Anthony Pluto — both of who whom were involved in pre-arraignment interviews with the defendant — and Officer Jennifer Casey.

Domph stated that the police department has ignored the subpoena and failed to provide a reason why the request should be denied under Illinois law. Casey and two other officers were recently cleared on charges of excessive force related to a 2009 disturbance call.

Following Friday’s hearing, Domph declined to comment on the outstanding subpoena, stating that the issue was “nothing new.”

Gaskill, who was accompanied by friends and family at the hearing, is the former publisher of the West Group of Pioneer Press newspapers, which includes the Oak Leaves and Forest Leaves.

The defendant was released on bail in March and is currently subject to electronic monitoring — a provision which Domph has contested on the grounds that her client is not a flight risk.

Love on Feb. 22 said she would be ready to hear arguments at the next hearing, which is set for March 19.”

Update 14: Our commenters continue to support the victims at the courthouse. March 19 had a continuance to April 11. Hearing continued to May 1. May 1 hearing one commenter says “The judge did not allow his attorney to view the personal records of the officers involved in this case. The next court date is set for june 24” The Media is not covering these hearings.

Update 15/August 20, 2013/hat tip to two commenters

Robert Gaskill had a hearing on August 19, 2013 in which he won expanded visitation rights with his children.

“Judge Noreen Love, will allow Rob Gaskill to immediately start seeing his children more often, his attorney Ellen Domph said. She declined to give details.

Gaskill sat in the Maybrook court, surrounded by a few friends and family, during his latest court appearance. He will return to Maybrook Court on Sept. 30 when motions related to the case will be argued.”

“According to an Oak Leaves report, prosecutors said Gaskill began abusing the girls at different times. One of the girls was 6 or 7 years old in 1996; the second girl was roughly 12 years old when the alleged abuse began several years later, in 2004.”

Update 16/January 26, 2015:“A former newspaper executive and Catholic news publisher charged with sexually abusing two young girls is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 25.

Robert Gaskill of River Forest was arrested in February of 2012 for molesting the two children. He was charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault of a child, each a Class X felony.

A Cook County judge in August signed an order allowing Gaskill to see his children more often, the Wednesday Journal reported.

According to an Oak Leaves report, prosecutors said Gaskill began abusing the girls at different times. One of the girls was 6 or 7 years old in 1996; the second girl was roughly 12 years old when the alleged abuse began several years later, in 2004.

“The attorney for River Forest resident Robert Gaskill on Thursday filed court motions to dismiss the indictment charging him with numerous counts of aggravated child sexual abuse. With Gaskill standing by her side, attorney Ellen Domph told Judge Geary Kull she was filing the motion on grounds that Gaskill’s right to due process had been violated.

Domph filed a second motion seeking to have Gaskill’s statements to River Forest police suppressed. Judge Kull, who was sitting in for the case’s appointed trial judge, Noreen Valeria Love, continued the case until Oct. 30.

“A River Forest man who took in dozens of foster children and formerly headed Chicago Catholic Publications was cleared Tuesday on charges that he sexually assaulted two girls.

Robert L. Gaskill, 68, was acquitted of the molestation charges by Cook County Judge Geary W. Kull in Maywood, according to court records.

Gaskill operated a foster care service with his wife, as well as a foster care support system called Tapestry Chicago, when he was arrested in 2012.

He was a former publisher of the Oak Leaves/Pioneer Press West Group and also had served as president and publisher of Chicago Catholic Publications, which publishes the Chicago Archdiocese’s official newspaper, the New World.”

Update 18:There is still his 2nd case!!!

“The judge who has overseen two separate sexual abuse cases against River Forest foster parent Robert Gaskill over the past three years has announced he will recuse himself should the second case go to trial.

Gaskill, 69, was arrested by River Forest police in February 2012 after two young women who had been foster children in his home filed complaints that Gaskill had sexually abused them. Last February Cook County Circuit Court Judge Geary Kull issued a directed verdict acquitting Gaskill of all charges in a 16-count criminal indictment. Gaskill remains free on $100,000 bond in a second, 25-count indictment alleging the sexual abuse of a second girl.

Following the verdict, Kull expressed concerns about his ability to be a “fair” truer of fact if Gaskill’s second case went to trial.

“I should say this: I am considering recusing myself in the charge that remains,” Kull said on Feb. 28, according to officials court transcripts. “You can argue if you want, but I don’t know that there’s an argument to be had. I pretty much made that decision anyway.

“So that we’re all clear, I expect (on the next court date) to recuse myself on that date and transfer it to another judge. You can argue it before I do that, but … .” Kull went on to say, not finishing his thought.

Asked by defense attorney Ellen Domph if he was going to offer a reason for recusal, Kull was unclear, but expressed concern that he would be unable to be “fair” in the absence of something he did not mention.

“Well, simplistically, I don’t think that I can judge the next case fairly without — based on — without — I just don’t think I can be fair on the next case,” he replied. “So that’s my reason. And I’m sure you want somebody fair.”

However, Kull, who has been a judge since 2009, backed away from recusing himself at the April 12 hearing, saying he’d decided to wait to see if the case actually went to trial.

“Rather, than do it on this date, I am going to continue it until the 8th of May to see what the actual trial posture is of all the parties. And if it becomes — if it continues to be necessary to try the matter — I will then recuse myself.”

Kull has remained on the case, and held two additional status hearings since then. The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21.

In issuing his verdict in February, Kull noted that the prosecution called only one witness in the case, the alleged victim, with no testimony from police investigators.

Domph has aggressively attacked the credibility of not only the victim, but also the lead investigator, then-Detective Sgt. Martin Grill. In a June, 2015 motion, Domph said his testimony was “nothing more than a restatement of an inadmissible police report,” and that he was merely repeating what was in the report, with “no actual recollections” of the interview.

Domph also pointed out that while police say Gaskill allegedly confessed to the women’s allegations, no written confession exists, and that the audio was not turned on during his interrogation.

Perhaps most damaging was the fact that Grill had received departmental discipline for removing material from another arrest report he supervised, behavior that Domph said “cut to the heart” of his credibility.

In a motion filed with the court, prosecutors asked Kull to exclude “all references to alleged external incidents of misconduct or criminal acts” by anyone on the River Forest department, as well as any media coverage of the issue, calling it “irrelevant” to the case.

376 Comments

I don't think "accountability" is the missing piece to the puzzle here. Everything "looked" perfect. I believe, if he did not admit, himself, to these crimes there would be a terrible outcry that he was wrongly accused. Thank goodness for the sake of these poor girls that he did admit guilt. I can only hope these girls are able to recover.

To the Anonymous posters about guilt: We do not see an admission of guilt yet. He is arrested and held on the highest bond we have seen-$50 million. That exceeds the Cristan Room's California case of $12 million.

To Mark, you do not seem to understand what this archive is about. This is to chronicle cases of heinous or otherwise criminal actions *about CHILDREN who have been adopted or been in foster care*-the ones that have NO VOICE. We report everything we can find about the case. We do not state that Gaskill is guilty at this time as he only has been charged with crimes. If he is wholly innocent, the case STILL stays here as then the action that is disgusting is that adoptees-unnamed at this time so we can't report it- were lying about their AP molesting them.

Peruse our archive to see what the results of trials have been. An example in which the AP has been exonerated is Brian Dykstra, but that case still remains because his adopted son Isaac…still REMAINS DEAD…his dad didn't take him to the hospital the night he had a major head injury. Regardless of our personal opinion on how that happened, ISAAC STILL IS DEAD, his case has *very much* influenced Russian placements to the US, and will remain in our archives as will all of these cases.

Some of our cases are about adoptee committing crimes. In fact, one case from last week is about an adoptee strangling both his parents. We also have cases of people who work in child welfare that commit various criminal actions. Most cases take years to go to trial and if we don't report on the parts of the case as they occur, the information will be lost.Call it what you will. This is what the archive is about.We label the cases so people can find them with the goal being to share information to as many people as possible. Some have the victim name on them, some the alleged or known perpetrator and some have a description when perpetrator or victim is unnamed, as many foreign cases protect perpetrator and victim names.

I appreciate your concern and advocacy for orphans and minors, and yes – reporting and archiving of alleged (and true) cases of abuse is necessary as information comes about. However, I tend to agree with Mark. By the headline, "How could you? Hall of shame…" you've already labeled this man as guilty. Your additional comment of, "Another sick case where there was no accountability before, during or after placements," further presumes guilt prior to official arraignment, trial and verdict. So you have actually made a conclusion about this man before a jury has. Clearly, if he is guilty, he deserves punishment for his crimes and an investigation should be done to learn from this case how to better protect children from this type of terrible crime in the future. Likewise, if he is found innocent, I hope you post this information too and rescind your "hall of shame" statement.

I agree. Clearly you see this man as guilty already. In these cases they always see a person as guilty before proven innocent. All you have is your word against an accuser. Yes in the past there were too many times where people were not believed but nowadays it has gone too far the other way. If this person is not guilty his life and reputation are ruined forever!

Anonymous, I have not labeled the man guilty. Nope nowhere. Too bad if you don't like the name of our archive.Go start your own and label it however you want.

I just said in the above comment that all cases stay no matter what happens because either the man is guilty or someone is lying horribly-BOTH are heinous actions of people involved in child welfare and adoption. That is why the intro says "involved in" child welfare and adoption.

I stand by the no accountability. I also could add postplacement as a piece. The allegations are a pattern of abuse from 1996 to 2009. WHERE was the postplacement monitoring while they were foster kids? THERE IS NONE for postadoption. There needs to be accountability in the foster care system in the during and after placement. As for accountability before placement, there could be two things depending on the outcome of the case: If he is guilty, then I feel that there needed to be more critical thinking during the homestudy. If he is not guilty and there is lying, then the issue could involve past placements OR a lack of resources and mental health care for the kids. Either way, there is an accountability issue on the before side.

Each of these cases involve multiple overlapping failures. There are MANY prominent foster care providers and adoptive parents in our archive including *several* named foster parent of the year. Sandusky was named an Angel in Adoption!The sad thing is that too many people look the other way when it comes to child abuse.

Rally, YOU did not indicate Mr. Gaskill admitted guilt, but the first Anonymous commenter did.I would like the first Anonymous to answer if they know something more. It sounded as if they did since they indicated there would be public outcry if he hadn't admitted guilt. Please let us know, Anonymous, where you heard there was admission of guilt. Thank -you and I hope you see this and respond.

I know Mr. Gaskill personally. He does not admit any guilt. He is professing innocence to all who know and contact him, saying this is slander from a biological family bitter at their loss of custody of their daughters. Time will tell. The case is still being investigated and no trial has been set yet.

Anonymous Feb 9: Do you know this biological family to know that they are bitter at their loss of custody? Do you know the girls personally if you know Mr. Gaskill? What is their motive for coming to the police?

Also for our readers, sometime in the last day or so Mark removed his own comment. I did not delete it.

Regarding my Feb 9 comment: I was intending to clarify in regards to the comments above about how Rob must have admitted guilt. I know for sure he has not. I have only seen the alleged victims in passing at community functions with the whole family. All I really know about them is what the Gaskills and others have said, and I have never even seen the alleged "bitter" family. I'm just hearing lots of theories that the girls might have been coerced into claiming these things. Who knows…. Again, the point of this comment was just to say that people close to the family believe this is a false accusation, and that I know for certain he has not admitted to any guilt. I personally, am still not sure what to think. Details are really bare in the press on what the claims and evidence are. And I hate the idea of assuming any alleged victim is lying. Yet this just doesn't seem possible at all from all I know and have observed of their family. This is just shocking news and everyone is reeling from it and feeling the pain this is causing every single member of that family, whose lives have been forever changed regardless of what side is true. Either way is terrible! This case is very much IN PROCESS.

And regarding the "going straight to indictment" question… my understanding is that there must be an indictment in order to get to a trial. Police gather evidence and work with the prosecutors to determine what the charges are. Then a grand jury must hear their case and formally indict him in order to go to trial. If the grand jury doesn't think the evidence in the case is strong enough, they would not indict him, and there'd be no trial, and it'd be over. But if they do indict, that means it will go to court, and Mr. Gaskill's would then get a chance to build a defense in court. Then that case would determine his guilt (or not) and the judge would sentence him. He could face life in prison. And often the process of being charged and arrested to even beginning a trial can be years! So this will be a long road ahead for everyone involved.

Anonymous, Feb 22, 6:44PM, this case is quite young. I would not be so confident of others not coming forward.

As for Feb 10 comment about indictment, the sexual assault is a DIRECT indictment. A direct indictment is one in which the case goes straight to trial, before an inquiry is completed, circumventing the preliminary hearing. That means that the proscution feels probable cause is established, but the grand jury may think the evidence is weak. This does quicken the proceedings.

Today Feb 24th, the Gaskill case is in court. Last court appearance judge said the case was to be heard before a grand jury. Does this mean the grand jury already heard evidence from the state and will reveal today whether or not the defendant will face a formal indidement with a jury by trial and then a court date will be set for trial? Also, can the defendent if found with probable cause can ask for a bench tial and not a jury? The fact the bail was set so high may indicate the state has a strong case as the bond was set at such a staggering amount. Also, five children were removed by child welfare and placed seperately in other homes which in itself would be a signal that the state did this with good reason as I'm sure these poor children have been traumatized and fightened. The community at large would never let the state hear the end of it with a huge public outcry on behalf of the pain and suffering of the children living in new homes needlessly and the defendent and family put through hell on charges and evidence that is weak and or false. Hopefully,if there is a strong case sadly for the minors justice will prevail and their voices heard so that the defendant receive the full punishment he deserves for preying on the minors for at least thirteen years; inflicting emotional and psychological pain that unfortunately these minors have and will carry with them the rest of their lives. Also, these minors need to hold the chid welfare system accountable for allowing and sadly not staying invoved with these children and family especially that the state allowed so many children with special needs to be cared for in one family. Every parent with one or even two special needs children know how hard it is to make sure their child's every need is met and lovingly provide their children with all the love and care they have to give and then some. A very sad tragic story for these children to be let down and thrown into a family and a system that failed them miseriably if the defendant is indeed found guilty. THe system regardless should never allowed eight special need chidren be placed in one foster home to begin with. Children in these cases need supervision from the state when allowed to be adopted after being a foster care child in the home first place until they reach adulthood as maybe the minors would have had a chance to reveal the hell they were put through and if true the defendant would have received punishment sooner and would not have been able to prey on minors if the allegations are true and proved in court.

Is there any more news on this? It seems there certainly are many people in River Forest who seem to have information and believe that he has confessed. Also, what is the information regarding the story that the girls identified his private parts? Is there any possibility that his bond will be lowered and he will be able to leave jail? How long before this goes to trial? Also, since he was removed from the house, what does it mean that they still took all of the other children and placed them in different homes? If he was no longer there, did it matter? I just do not understand so much of this

Anonymous, March 7: We have not seen further media articles nor can we access the criminal record. The new lawyer did ask for a lowering of the bail but at this time we do not believe that has happened. The next court appearance in March 16 ( a week from Friday). I think it is possible that bail would be reduced as that is the highest bail I have seen for such a case. It is standard procedure to remove the children from the home in this type of arrest. I have seen the rumors that you write of, but do not have confirmation of any of that.

Bail may get reduced but it will be high enough to still keep him in jail as this is a serious case even though there arepeople out there that can't seem to grasp that withoutcredible evidence and not just minors simply making accusations because they are mentally unstable an arrest would not have beenmade in the first place. Also, a grand jury heard the evidenceand the defendant was indited on two counts of class x felonies that can place him in jail the rest of his life. Really people, doya think the state wants to seek justice because they want tospend tax dollars prosecuting this case and oh yes placingand disrupting five innocent children that were in the home

in other foster care homes because they love to torment innocent children who already started out their lives withthe deck stacked against them? Those of you accusing theminors of mental illness or mental instability make me sick.Why is it that these minors if indeed not right mentally did not get

treatment by these loving parents to begin with?Why did our school system fail to recognize how screwed upthese minors were supposedly and not intervene and even filea report with DCFS somewhere along the way?If they were really screwed up why would the foster parentswant them around the other children in the home?Also, why 8 special needs children in one home?Do you really believe the big tax free checks per child was not any way shape or form a motivation to make fostercare a business to advance ther income level?The state I'm sure is eating crow right now as they reallylet these children down in a BIG WAY. These minors if theircase is proved (seems likely though the defendant is innocentuntil proven guilty) will finally have their voices heardand will be a wake up call to people who buy into this familybeing as PERFECT as their PERFECT WHITE PICKET FENCE.Wake up Gaskill Groupies you too have been duped just likethe state. All of you need to look at what as transpired sincehis arrest. Like it or not this case must have merits or theaccused would not be sitting in jail right now.Write all the character references you can for the defendantbut when you do ask yourself why it is that often times it issomeone that we would least expect to commit a crime of thisnature because they think their secret is safe with theirvictims through manipulation that a minor in this case minorswould never TELL because they were made to suffer and endurea life that had to be emotionally and psychologically paralyzing. So, yes everyone has their day in court and areeither found guilty or innocent. That is our legal system.Just remember it takes evidence to even have a case.The minors accusations alone would have prevented this case to get to where it is in the first place. Gaskill Groupies takeoff your ROSE COLORED GLASSES and THINK about why this casehas been indited by a grand jury, JUST ACCUSATIONS?If that were the case God help us all because anyone couldmake an accusation as simple as going to a local policestation and make a false accusation without credible evidenceand we too could be in jail with a huge bond and be facingthe conseguences of being indited by a grand jury as well.That may happpen in Syria or Egypt but so far that does npthappen in a country with a fair and prudent legal system.

The last comment "so far that does npt (sic) happen in a country with a fair and prudent legal system" makes me chuckle. That's a broad statement for someone accusing others of wearing "ROSE COLORED GLASSES". There are corrupt presidents, politicians, principles, pastors, lawyers, judges, and policemen. Shall I go on?

Why not let the evidence speak for itself? This case will go to trial. Why not wait before you convict someone in the court of public opinion?

It's appropriate to be protective of children and to get very angry when a child is abused. I have much personal compassion since I was abused myself as a child. I would love the truth to be revealed in this and all cases. Yet, as an adult, I have witnessed the flip-side of terror when I took-in a young teen-age girl who lied at every possible opportunity. I shudder to think what could have happened if I was on the receiving end of such an accusation.

WAIT. Continue to defend children. Look at the evidence. Learn some patience before you convict someone.

You are right. Often we who love children get angry at the thought of any child being subjected to any abuse of ANY kind. Sometimes the thoght of that happening to our own children ignites anger and we lose sight that this case just like any other case needs further investigation and if going to trial hopefully evidence that is false will be exposed and the victims if lying will be exposed for the horrible situation they have inflicted on the accused and their family. If the evidence is true anger at the accused and DCFS can't help but be felt and compassion for a family who besides the accused will continue to suffer and for all invoved lives sadly will never be the same. I do see both sides and you are right~patience and waiting for the court system to do its'job is all we can do without letting our emotions get the best of us. I too am a survivor of abuse from a stepfather thankfully it was caught early on however it is something no innocent child should have to endure.

Update 5 describes the allegations and verbal confession. These offenses are alleged when the girls were prepubescent. I hope that an investigation is ongoing with other foster children and children in the home, but I fear that this is not the case. Usually in these kinds of cases, a tip line is set up for others to come forward. I have yet to see that.

anonymouse 5:18 on March 16, very often allegations occur when the child is older or an adult for the obvious reason that there is no adult whom they trust to listen to the allegation.This does beg the question of what his wife Mary knows about this as these allegations appear to indicate that the abuse occurred in the family home.

The accused is INNOCENT until PROVEN otherwise. The accused had an unfair bond placed on him from the start. He has been in jail for 6 weeks and deserved the decision by the judge to be on house arrest as I am sure he suffered immensely as well as his family. He deserved from the start to have a normal bail and I do not understand why he could not have been on house arrest while this case was investigated. The case could go on for a long time. Thank God he is able to be treated fairly by posting bond following what the court has required him to do while he waits for this bizzare case to go to trial and hopefully be found innocent as everything that has been reported on him he does not appear to be nothing but a loving father and family man. His accusers probably have some ax to grind as they were foster children that perhaps are punishing this family for what they may perceive as payback for something as simple as following rules that all children have to have and maybe they felt they were treated unfairly or thought the parents were too strict. The court has to really investigate this case on both sides as it seems like this could be one of those cases that revenge might be the motive the accusers made the allegations in the first place.

Anonymous 10:42, it is not standard because it is not safe for someone accused of these crimes to be under house arrest from the beginning.

The bail was high, but the current bail is quite low in comparison to similar cases going on right now in other parts of the country.

Your comments about axes to grind and investigating on both sides are really sickening. Blaming the victims, once again. Unbelievable that you have no concern for the other children that also might have been affected.

Look through our archive and see how many are winners of foster care awards.

Once again I'll caution people to exercise restraint and patience related to this highly sensitive case. No one will fault you for righteous anger when children are abused. Wait. Listen to all the evidence because there are MANY lives at stake. REMEMBER that these are allegations until they are proven.

There is a flip-side to the Foster-care system that deserves respect and protection as well. PLEASE consider the families who sacrifice to take kids into their home. They ALSO deserve to be protected. I know that this is not the blog for that, I understand that, but I hope that those who read this blog will seek justice for ALL- including foster-care and adoptive parents.

If we don't seek justice for ALL we will not have anyone willing to sacrifice their lives to shelter kids. Let us not take a stance that will make it worse for the very kids that need to be protected the most.

it is safe for someone accused of these crimes to be under house arrest from the beginning.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is an alcohol-related birth disability and is the number one cause of mental retardation in the United States. It is also the only cause of birth defects that is entirely preventable. The condition occurs from maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes through the placenta and is absorbed by the unborn baby.

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome typically have multiple handicaps and require special medical, educational, familial and community assistance. These children may require lifelong, expensive, intensive care and intervention to reach their potential. There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy and no known time when drinking alcohol is safe. Alcohol can do more damage to the developing embryo and fetus than illegal or legal drugs.

Lying (purposefully telling an untruth) and stealing (taking what does not belong to you) are dishonest behaviors that break the rules of society. Such misbehaviors in children, adolescents, or adults, especially if they happen often, may be signs of other more significant problems. Sometimes these misbehaviors and others, like cheating, truancy * , destroying property, or hurting others, are called antisocial behaviors, or disruptive behaviors, because they break social rules.

HE CONFESSED!!! Is it not clear that this man CONFESSED? I do not know if he confessed to all allegations but he confessed to enough to let you know that he is not right, that he did abuse these girls and it should go from there! Please, please accept that you made some terrible mistakes, need to pay the price and make it as easy as you can for these poor girls. THESE GIRLS ARE RUINED!!! How absolutely sad and sick it is to think they were taken from a home because of alcohol abuse and put in a home to suffer SEXUAL ABUSE! I think they were better off in their original home. What they are saying happened is just terrible. Aso, think about this…I assume Robert Gaskill did not sexually abuse his biological children. Does this mean the foster/adoptive children are "lesser" people? Are these children considered not as worthy and therefore can be used for his biting fetish? Good grief, entertain your damned fetish by yourself or with a dog. Don't bring innocent, poor, sad orphans into your web of filth. You were the only parents they knew. You were there to protect them and mentor, nourish them. You used them. You used them to gain money and to meet your sick sexual desires. And then you "high profiled" yourselves to be such wonderful foster parents. Who could these girls turn to? DCFS obviously didn't know what they were doing or they would not have placed them in a family with so many kids all the same age. I can hardly breath I am so upset by this whole story and the possibility that even though there was a confession, this man could still be found innocent. I can see it coming, no written confession and oh, yes, is he going to say he was under the influence of alcohol and didn't know what he was doing? What can be done to now help these girls? Is there anything the public can do for them?

A false confession is an admission of guilt in a crime in which the confessor is not responsible for the crime. False confessions can be induced through coercion or by the mental disorder or incompetency of the accused. Even though false confessions might appear to be an exceptional and unlikely event, they occur on a regular basis in case law, which is one of the reasons why jurisprudence has established a series of rules to detect, and subsequently reject, false confessions.

Matthew 7:5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

May the Truth Prevail/March 17, there is nothing in the foster care system that deserves respect, especially when it comes to Illinois DCFS. We have 100s of horrendous cases in just one year from the foster care system.

We are not stupid here so you can check your condescension about innocent until proven guilty. The current way that child protection operates is by no means the only way it can operate.

Anonymous just under that, it is NOT safe for house arrest for allegations of pedophilia. I have no idea what you are implying by talking about FAS.Is that some more blame the victim or are you saying that Gaskill has FAS and is not responsible for his actions?

Anonymous just below that, uh..yea thanks for defining lying and stealing for us.You really are not contributing anything to this conversation.

There was a verbal confession to police as stated on the record. Chicago area has been known for some atrocious forced verbal confessions, but there is not indication at this time that this is the case.

For all of you, the top 5 risks for a child for child abuse areFrom Child Abuse [Medicine Net Medical Author:John Mersch, MD, FAAP and Medical Editor: John Mersch, MD, FAAP], "risk factors include

1.age: 67% of abused children are less than 1 year old; 80% are less than 3 years old;2.past history of abuse: Repeated abuse has been shown to occur more than 50% of the time; repeatedly abused children have a 10% chance of sustaining a lethal event;3.children with learning disabilities, speech/language disorders and mental retardation;4.children with congenital anomalies (malformations) and chronic/recurrent conditions; and5.adopted and foster children."

Pedophiles look for opportunities and the US foster care system is a prime opportunity. Most crimes against children in foster care are sex abuse.

Rally, I have no intention of being condescending to you or anyone who cares for the welfare of children. Your ire toward convicted abusers is COMPLETELY justified. I was sexually abused and I wasn't in the foster care system. I understand this issue from a deeply personal level.

My request was that the case could be heard before he was convicted without a trial. For the sake of families that open their hearts and homes to kids, we also owe it to them tto be given respect.

Does anyone know how the police can prove a confession to whatever he confessed to the police at the station? If there is no written confession of any sort that he did not sign, how do the state prosectors prove at trial that he did confess to some things and made the sick statement about a biting fetish? Why would the police say that he said that(it is so sick) if he really did not. I find that part very hard to swallow as the officer or officers would make up such a perverted statement and make it part of the record submitted to the state attorney office.

Why would they make it up? Probably because this family had so many other foster kids. The cop or whoever probably thought it would be a huge career boost! Only no one else has come forward and no written or audio confession. Plus who is stupid enough to confess to something like this without asking for a lawyer? Just my observations. My rule #1 – don’t talk to cops without a lawyer.

Name, that makes no sense at all. Wouldn’t it make more sense that they are concerned about their sibling still with them? What kind of boost would a cop get in this case? People confess things to cops all the time.

This man CONFESSED within 1 hour of being in custody. This is not a man that was questioned for hours, or beaten in to submission. In my opinion, this behavior is indicative of a man who was ashamed little girl perversion and was glad he was finally caught

Open your eyes people. There bond was high because it should have been. I have heard – these girls were placed when they were 2 and 4. The Gaskill's were really the only family they ever knew. This man was not just a foster father — he was an ADOPTIVE father.

Throw the book at him, LOCK HIM UP! Don't ever let the Gaskill's care for children again.

Girls if you happen to read this blog. I believe you and am on your side.

May the Truth Prevail, This statement "For the sake of families that open their hearts and homes to kids, we also owe it to them tto be given respect" makes no sense. ALL foster parents are not being investigated, just this one.As an adoptive parent, I am disgusted that this type of person passed a homestudy and yes I am judging him on a verbal confession that cops have claimed under oath. I do not understand why people believe family members crowding a court room more than cops under oath. I could be wrong but the victims in the case deserve the respect. They are the ones with no voice.

I think the family duped like they always do and have been doing all along; the Judge in this case. The Gaskills prevailed with their many groupies to cram the court with not only their family but many of their fans who just can't believe that such a crime as the accused is facing on two counts no less is CAPABLE of such a Deviant act. Obviously, they have blinders on and will continue to have blinders on even during trial testimony by the prosecution when the case is finally tried. In the meantime people that have voiced opinions on this forum have labled the victims liars and severely diminished in mental capacity due to FAS. Remember: "WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOD FOR THE GOSSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER" Stop trashing two courageous women who want and NEED their voices heard.

Amen to Rally 12:43 PM The young women now are probablyfor the first time in their young lives testifying onthe horrific abuse and robbed childhood as they are grownwomen now and now have the courage that they as while growing could not exercise living in fear in a home that the accusedcould have easily manipulated and controlled their mindsby telling them perhaps they were lucky to have a home andthat nobody would believe them anyway. Obviously, childrencan and are manipulated by the perpetrator in these instancesespecially in foster homes.These girls do not have a bunch ofgroupies standing up for them in court like the accused.Instead, they have been JUDGED by the hypocrites that moanon this blog that the accused being the "perfect family man" could not beyond a shadow of a doubt commited the crimes hewill be standing trial for. The state is going to have topaint a picture of two abused little girls FINALLY havingtheir VOICES heard now as young women taking the first stepto heal by confronting and facing their accuser.Girls, if you read this STAY STRONG DROWN OUT ALL THE VOICESthat have diminished your worth and capacity and if you canFACE the ACCUSED in court and look him straight in the eyewith fear no longer holding you prisoner and SPEAK LOUD ANDCLEAR. Then let's see how the people who call you liarsand not of sound mind have to say?I pray you have your once tiny voices as little girlsheard LOUD AND CLEAR as the brave grown women you have become.

Having known the Gaskill family in years past, I was shocked when I first heard these allegations and questioned how something like this could have possibly occurred. However, reading news of a verbal confession and having knowledge of the girls' character, I believe this all to be true. What would these girls have to gain from making up allegations such as this? Nothing. The press keeps reporting on Mr. Gaskill's community involvement and the dozens of courtroom supporters. The judge cited this as one of the reasons for the huge price drop in bond and Mr. Gaskill's release back into the community. I hope the victims realize that there is a large network of community members that are standing behind them, believe them and hope that justice is served.

I would be willing to cram a court room with a group of other people in support for these girls. I believe the Gaskills in these many years passed have certainly done some good things, some good deeds. I believe they tried to do the right thing…at least I hope they were initially sincere in their attempts to help children. I'm also very sorry to say that I do know them and there is a lot more there to meet the eye that is not right. They are not totally the people they portray themselves to be. They have actually tormented many people who I believe are afraid of them. I think we will start to see these people slowly surface and begin to share some of their knowledge. Mary has always been very quick to point out, accuse, confront and bully people she felt were doing something wrong. Now here she is…living with the real enemy, the pervert was in her very own house. I believe these girls and admire their strength. I do not know if I could do what they have done.

"Why would the police say that he said that(it is so sick)if he really did not.I find that part very hard to swallow as the officeror officers would make up such a perverted statementand make it part of the record submitted to the stateattorney office."

"When Caine refused to sign a confession, he was struck "with a cupped hand on the side of the head," which ruptured his eardrum, according to the lawsuit. He signed a false confession the next day. Investigations by the Internal Affairs Division of the Chicago Police Department and the State's Attorney General's Office helped prove that his confession was false."

I agree with March18 10;50 PMDon't really know this family well either, but know of them as many people in the community have always admired them for taking care of many special need children.However rumors spread and many people have expressed how zany his wife is and howshe has problems not minding her business and has always called the police to reportpetty stuff on people near her home no less. Rumors are that she put that picket fence uparound her house as a SPITE FENCE to make it harder for the neighbors to the south of her to have a harder time backing out of their driveway. If they were my neighbors Iwould have moved right after that-who needs that kind of aggravation.the people she did this to own some business or something so maybe that is why theystill live there. If the accused was so great and a model citizen why could he not control his wife and her wacky behavior? I'm sure the police must know this is true abouther because they get the calls and probably know ahead of time that the call is aboutsomething stupid. I also have heard that she is intimidating and will even spread liesabout you (IF you cross her) or she does not like you and some lies have hurt many peopleand they then have to set people straight that whatever she lied about was not true.I think people must know so much more and they should share whatever knowledgethey have about how quirky the wife is which really reflects a bad perception not onlyof her but her husband. I don't know many husbands that would acceptthis odd behavior and think their wife is normal. My husband would probably have mehave a psyc evaluation or something. I hope maybe people that know even more thatwhen added together paints a picture of a truly disfunctional marriage that explainsperhaps why the accused said he has a biting fetish, maybe he was taking out hishostility on these poor girls instead of his wacky wife (HE SHOULD HAVE BIT HER)Honestly, there is probably a lot more than meets the eye here and I hope it does come out as it only proves how weird the two of them are thus the deviant behaviorthat the husband is accused of could really have a psychological (sick of course) deepseated reason that he took out on two girls that have had their childhoods taken awaybecause they were sadly put there by DCFS by what was probably an Academy AwardPERFORMANCE as the model couple. I too wish the girls had their own supporters incourt as they are obviously up against the crazy wife who is more than capable ofattracting nut cases like herself that fill the court in support of a pervert thatshe lived with it and probably created. My heart does go out to the children in thefamily. They are not at fault and I'm sure if they could speak honestly, they probablythought the parents were odd as they have I'm sure witnessed first hand on who really wears the pants in the family and is totally in charge: their mother.I think the people in their social circles should wake up and smell the coffee andstart believing the perception they have of the couple they think they know andACCEPT SOMETHING REALLY IS WRONG HERE. Maybe the police will start welcoming citizens that know the outrageous behavior of the wife. THey will then realize her own husbandis afraid of her as she obviously was able to get away with her behavior by her husbandwho could not man up to her-but manned up to control and ruin two innocent livesthat forever have to live with their nightmare and their lost childhood.(DISPICABLE)So, really March 19 11:29 your quotes listed do not mean a thing except for the factthat you too are one of the groupies as someone else on this blog called the likes of you–………DRANK THE GASKILL KOOLAID and probably there is no hope for youand your pals as you not only drank it but OVERDOSED and their is no HOPEfor all of you. Hopefully, you will face rehab when the girls have their voices heardin court and your KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR FALLS OFF HIS HORSE .

Anonymous Mar 19 2:55, relevance to THIS case? As I said before, there have been atrocious cases where confessions were forced, but there is NO evidence of this. Even the defense has not brought that up.

In the Caine case, Caine's name came up after police TORTURED another witness. In THIS case, the victims HAVE IDENTIFIED GASKILL, their adoptive father as the culprit.

Just watch…people are now going to come forward and start saying some of the things they know about Gaskills. It is not going to be a pretty picture, they are not what they want you to think they are. Too many people have had trouble with them.

I couldn't agree more with March 19, 2012 4:07 PM… "I think people must know so much more and they should share whatever knowledge they have…"

Relaying isolated incidents may seem weak but when circumstantial evidence is cumulative, the weakness of such evidence is strengthened. As more people come forward, we can help to paint the complete picture. As a member of the same(former)parish and school as the Gaskills, I personally had many interactions where I was intimidated, mislead, and baffled by the behaviors of what I saw as a very dysfunctional and destructive mother. I found Rob to be very quiet, distant,and possibly worn down by a domineering wife. Their dedication and involvement was real but I began to doubt their motives and authenticity after a series of questionable incidents. This was my experience and I can speak for only myself and my family when I say that we knew pretty quickly that there was something "off".

Not to point out the obvious but I have to agree with Rally said: March 19, 2012 4:32 PM…

What is with the copying and pasting of bits from earlier posts, random irrelevant references, and cryptic posts? More meaningful contributions, insights, and/or coherent arguments would be appreciated.

River Forest police station is no way any shape or form adepartment that even comes close and could not be moreopposite than CHICAGO POLICE DEPTS all around the Chicagoarea. If anything they are true professionals DEDICATED tothe citizens of RF an are especially wonderful at protectingour precious children in the cmmunity.If a child is approachedby a stranger, followed to school,have a pervert exposethemselves not to mention child safety across the boardthey are totally on it and our children know that ourofficers will protect them and when apprehend perverts thatprey on children the apprehended person is prosecuted tothe full extent of the law and it is always one less stalkerthat is out being a threat to children in our town andelsewhere. What does this have to do with the Gaskill case?EVERYTHING-RF police have questioned many chid stalkers andwould be abductors that match and fit the description fromchildren that have had one of these nut-jobs stalk ortry to entice them to come near their car. Many times theyare able to arrest and charge the criminal with either anadmission of guilt or evidence that stands up in court andare able to prosecute them to the punishment that fits their crime.Having said that,they are not amateurs at the art ofquestioning and dealing with persons that may or may nothave comitted a crime. THere has never been anything reportedon questionable police behavior or tactics in dealing withwould be criminals at RF station. We are a small town and mostcitizens that have lived here long enough know many if notmost of the officers by name. They in turn know many citizensand form opinions about a particular family or individualbased on encounters with them their children and even getto know families that live in particular houses or blocks.Also, they are familiar with what articles are written in the local papers both RF and OP and no doubt even read about the Gaskills receiving a second place award for ADVOCACY ofFOSTER CARE as well AS ADOPTION OF FOSTER CARE CHILDREN.

The fact that one of our top seasoned officer on the force,Officer Rutz said Gaskill was well liked and respected in the community only shows that like others in the community thatwere snowed by the oh so perfect Gaskills he too bought intothe fake persona of this couple. To use that quote and others like it only shows what a greatjob this couple did to make themselves appear superior toother families because they were so WONDERFUL taking in all these special needs children and wanted people to doback-flips over their generosity and love of children asthey were so dedicated to children with special needs and ordisabilities. Many sane families did not roll over and idolizethem. Many if were really honest without fear of the wifes'singling them out would go on record and say the plain andsimple truth: FOSTER CARE BECAME A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS FOR THEM.

Supposedly ther are some kids that were recently returned to this home with the wacky mother. What is DCFS crazy?My answer is YES as well as SHAMEFUL.

The girls needto know that many people commend them and respect them comingforward even knowing the fans of this couple are ready andhave thrown them under the bus. GIRLS BE PROACTIVE IN YOURPURSUIT OF JUSTICE and BECOME THE DRIVER OF THE BUS!

Is this blog a source for slander and gossip? Some may perceive it that way. I don't though. Rather I see the recent posts as people who are very disappointed in Judge Love who determined Rob not to be a threat to society because of his courtroom supporters. Rob was given a break based on those around him that spoke highly of him. Rob's supporters have made slanderous remarks calling the accusers liars, mentally ill, disabled and vengeful. I think people realize now that the other side needs to be heard so that the Judge can understand the real picture who Rob is. There is a history of instability that needs to come out.

It has been an interesting conversation today and I thank those commenters. I do need to mention that this case is NOT just about Robert but DCFS and what is looking like large gaps in their postplacement monitoring of the Gaskills. It also has further implications in that Robert worked for the Christian Alliance for Oprhans organization LYDIA home and Mary also at least volunteered for them, so just like the Sandusky case, this has overlap with other organizations. Unlike the Sandusky case, this case really is NOT publicized very far and there are not hotlines set up for more victims to come forward. Are the other 75 former foster children being sought out even? It is concerning.

Wow this last post makes so much sense! I live in OP and don't even know this family but I have found even in the court hearing last Fri.that even the Judge was swayed and bought into this guy being so wonderful and with not one but two counts of sex abuse of two minors that were in his home and care was put on house arrest with a drastic reduction of the bail (50 mii was given to begin with as they were really saying no bail) and despite objections by the prosecution received leinency that he certainly does not deserve as the crimes that the grand jury indited him on are as henious as they come. What a travesty of justice. This guy should be in jail to trial as the victims were in their own private hell and living in a jail not a home and had not six weeks of being in prison but years of torment they had to endure and suffer silently. Hopefully, from what I have read on this blog many people could give insight inti the true nature of the accused and his wife that even operated a business called Tapestry out of their home and I bet it was not for free. THis is such a terrible story. For the victims sake hopefully their sad story will have a happy ending when their abuser is held accountable for his dispicable actions and he is held prisoner like they were only he will be a prisoner for many more years if convicted. Apparently, people in RF and OP have not heard of the saying "YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT's COVER" Hopefully, the jury will know that and dig DEEPER INTO THIS BOOK more thorughly than th JUDGE did in this case by not setting his bond at least to 25 million and totally ignoring the serious crimes he is accused of and did not even think of the victims that were in a jail almost their whole lifes without anyone bailing them out as they were helpless innocent children that no doubt lived in fear and now finally are out of jail and courageously are seeking justice for the living hell they lived in for years. God Bless and be with these young women and hopefully JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED by a intelligent jury that will read the whole book…. NOT JUST IT's COVER>

I have read and I am more convinced than ever that information of the character of this couple that is coming out now bypeople who have known them and or have had exposure to themat some point over the years have a whole wealth of infothat when pieced together creates a good picture of phonyand selfish people that made an income for a lifestylethat wanted for themselves and had nothing to do withhaving fun having lots of children as Mr. GAskill said inthe interview for the Oak Leaves in 2009. FUN? Who are theykidding? Taking on children with special needs requireshard work, tons of love, and total dedication to makingthem grow healthy in body mind and spirit as well as makingstrides and sucesses in overcoming difficulties unique tothat particular child. THe fact that they had eight ismind boggling. Unless you have a care giver working witheach child (which is impossible) there is no way you can convince me these children needs were met except the bareminimum. They had their basic needs met and that was it.Sure out in public (in church especially) the family put on quite an act to garner the attention and adulation theycraved by people who thought they were totally selfless andremarkable people. People that got close to them soon realizedthe only remarkable thing about them was that they werewilling to take in as many kids as they could and werethinking of their bankbook and not the children the stateplaced in their care. DCFS should take every child out of thathome as they are RESPONSIBLE for this horrible case to happen in the first place. I hope the victims can sue the state fortheir poor supervision and case studies as well as sue the family for the childhood that was taken away from the bothof them forever and can never be replaced. They are to berespected and praised for having the courage now to facethe demonic crimes they endured and face the accused nowas young adults that are no longer the helpless little girlsthat suffered in silence for so many years.These girls need to know they are supported and that whathappened to them was not their fault. When justice is servedthey can start their young lives and be very proud of thestrong young women they are and that they are helping othersthat have suffered sex abuse to not suffer in silence andreport their abuser and reclaim their life just like theyare doing so courageously by finally seeking justice. The community of people that have anything to share withauthorities should come forward and share what they knowor have encountered or even witnessed to give the girlsthe support that the accused has received by people thatthink and believe from the Gaskills that these girls areso disturbed and unstable due to FAS. THese people better takea good look at the whole picture in this case and then decidewho really is disturbed and unstable.

Even if the charge is against only Mr. Gaskill. Mrs. Gaskill is standing by her husband and getting crowds of people to sit in the court room. It clear that she doesn't see the best interest of the child.

How is possible that they would leave kids in her care!?! There were 5 kids in the initial artical – 1 boy (b/t 17-18 years old) and 4 girls — I would say all under 6.

Perhaps they left the boy and took the girls? Does anyone know which children still remain in the family home?

Re the message above, this is Crabbina responding. Thank you and all those previous posters who are willing to take a stance. We don't know all the facts, but for anyone to imply that FAS is the reason why two girls have come forward with details of abuse (setting themselves up for public exposure and the scorn of those on their parents' side) is very upsetting. From all the comments posted from those who know the family or live in the community, it's starting to become very apparent that this may well not have been the happy home and "forever family" so many assumed it was.

I can tell you that after many years of tracking adoption filth, those who defend wrongdoing way overshadow those who try to stop it. The denial is so strong because to face what might be a horrible reality is too painful to contemplate. What if Super-Dad is actually a monster? What if Saintly Mom is really deeply disturbed and abusive? Kind of upends your faith in your own judgment, doesn't it.

I knew Missy as a little girl (elementary grades), and it is breaking my heart to think of what she may have been enduring in those years. She was a darling. She was tenderhearted and thoughtful. She was intelligent and gifted in language arts. Her writing revealed a depth of character beyond her young years. The shift toward becoming an angry, troubled young woman seemed to come around high school. It was very, very sad.

I knew Amber, too. She had learning challenges, and I don't know that she would be able to participate in an elaborate lie for any extended period of time. I also remember her having a speech impediment, and I didn't know why it was not being addressed.

It seems very plausible to me that these women have come forward out of concern for another foster child in the Gaskill house. Over the past couple of years, Gaskills were working to another little girl into the "family". That little girl is Missy and Amber's sister.

I see that Anonymous 03/20 10:12 has posted the link to the article "Remembering Trecie" Here's what I remember about Trecie: When Trecie lived longer than the doctors had predicted, a social worker, according to Mary, had come into the house and found that the only room in the house suitable to be made into a space for the child and her equipment was the dining room. Mary was flipping out and whining to me, "I can't give up my dining room! I don't want to hurt my family!" I was floored. Wasn't Trecie part of the family? My family would have upended our own tiny house to care for the dog, let alone a baby we loved.

That article shows a beautiful picture of Maura with Trecie. Maura took on a lot of the childcare obligations in that household. I believe she and her husband are caring for children taken out of Mary's house.

Good luck to everyone that would like to cram the court insupport of the victims who totally deserves supporters puttinga face on the all too frequent scenerio that takes place in a larger proportion in foster homes than the general populationthat this case has brought to light ( and for all childreneverywhere in general. The reason being is a lot of the people(not all of them) actually know and have had experienceswith (the wife) and know they will unleash a tiger into the community that they have to live in. The fury andretaliation by the intimidating nature of this womanis a force of nature that can not be reckoned with.Years of her spiteful and erratic and revengeful natureare her signature in RF whenever she is crossed in any way shape or form. Many times her vindictiveneshas caused many people to fear and stay away from her asshe has been the way she is for years.

I think if you are citizensthat have followed this case and feel disgusted by thecramming of the court room by her loyal followers, you could help if you are not someone she does not know byorganizing and getting other people that feel the same wayto stand up and show up in court and sit on the prosecutionside as advocates for the victims in this case.

Help these victims also by writing letters to support them and encourage them. Let them know there are many many people thatadmire their courage to come forward and urge them to notbe afraid of the accused and his wife no longer and TESTIFYIN COURT WITHOUT THE VEIL OF FEAR THEY LIVED WITH FOR ALMOSTHALF THEIR CHILDHOOD. URGE them to take the stand and TELLTHE JURORS THE NIGHTMARE THEY WERE MADE TO SUFFER AND LOOK THERE ABUSER IN THE EYE AND FINALLY TELL HIM WHAT HELLTHEY HAD TO GO THROUGH. THE rest of the peoplethat have info either call, write, or talk with authoritiesand write a letter even if you want that the authorities can share with the victims and like the defendent the lettersmay be submitted to this judge and open her eyes that shehas been duped big time like so many others have in the past. Stand up and help these girls have the SUPPORT THEY NEED ANDDESERVE. ACT NOW THE SOONER THE BETTER!

PEOPLE NEED TO BE PRO-ACTIVE STARTING NOW. THIS BLOG HAS BEEN A REAL EYE-OPENER. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SHARING INFO BECAUSE THEY ARE ABLE TO SEE THE VENOM TOWARD THE VICTIMS COME OUT OF THE MANY GASKILL GOD SQUAD THAT BELIEVE MARY THAT THESE KIDS ARE TRASH AND LIARS THAT ARE COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT AND EXTREMELY DIMENTED DUE TO FAS. THE GOD SQUAD BELIEVES ALL OF THIS AS IT WOULD MAKE THEM REALLY FEEL BETRAYED AND STUPID FOR PLACING THESE PEOPLE ON A PEDESTAL SO HIGH THAT THEY ARE ALREADY IN HEAVEN AND HOW DARE ANYONE TELL THEM ANYTHING DIFFERENT.

WELL GOD SQUAD HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS AND TRASH TALKING TWO YOUNG GIRLS WHO HAD THEIR CHILDHOOD AND INNOCENCE TAKEN AWAY AT VERY YOUNG AGES AND ENDURED THE UNTHINKABLE FOR HALF OF THEIR YOUNG LIVES.

ANY ADULT THAT CAN TRASH TALK AND SAY REPREHENSIBLE STATEMENTS THAT THEY WERE TOLD BY THESE PEOPLE SHOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR. IF YOU ARE OR ARE NOT PARENTS YOU TOO WERE ONCE AN INNOCENT CHILD. PLACE YOURSELVES IN THE SHOES OF THESE TWO NOW GROWN GIRLS. YOU PEOPLE WHO PROFESS TO BE SO CHRISTIAN RECITING BIBLE VERSUS NO LESS THAT YOU HAVE USED AGAINST THESE GIRLS TO PROVE THAT THESE GIRLS ARE THROW-AWAYS AND WORTHLESS BECAUSE YOU HANG ON EVERY LIE THAT THE FAMILY HAS PUT OUT THERE ARE NOT WHAT YOU PROFESS TO BE EITHER AND ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THE PEOPLE YOU ARE SO SURE ARE SO PERFECT AND COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE TARNISHED IN ANYWAY AS YOU STUPID PEOPLE HAVE PUT HALOS ON THEIR HEADS AND HEAR ANGELS SING WHENEVER YOU ARE AROUND THEM.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE KNOWN THE GASKILLS MORE AND LONGER THAN ALL OF YOU NO BETTER. (BY THE WAY THEY COLLECT FRIENDS FOR A TIME AND WHEN FRIENDS START CATCHING ON TO THEIR GIG THEY ARE BANISHED FROM THE GASKILL KINGDOM FOREVER). TREAD CAREFULLY YOU ARE IN DANGEROUS WATERS. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS COUPLE HAPPILY JUMPED SHIP A LONG TIME AGO RATHER THAN EXPERIENCE WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS BEHAVIOR AND NEGATIVETY TOWARD THEIR FOSTER CHILDREN EVEN IN THE CHID'S PRESENCE.

SO HOLD ON TO THEIR WINGS AND GET READY FOR PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG AND THOSE THAT ARE NOT TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT THESE GIRLS IN ANY WAY THEY CAN.

BLOGGERS AND OTHER ADVOCATES FOR THESE TWO GIRLS GET BUSY NOW! ORGANIZE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE SITTING ON THE PROSECUTION SIDE BECAUSE THEY CARE AND MAKE SURE MARY DOES NOT KNOW YOU AS THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY. THE REST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY E-MAIL THE DETECTIVES, CALL THEM, WRITE LETTERS TO THE JUDGE SUPPORTING MISTY and Amber and SUPPORT THEM AS WE ARE RF A TOWN THAT LOVES ALL CHILDREN AND VALUE EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM.

Does it makes sense anyone that several children would be in Mrs. Gaskill's care? The initial news report said 5 children were removed. Now several are in her care….what? Could an investigation be concluded and the children returned to her? I don't understand that at all

Second I noticed when the 16March article came out it had the the girls first names. The article was edited to now say victim1 and victim2. Is that because the abuse occured when they were minors to the paper can't print???

I remember many different children that lived in the Gaskill household in the early years of their foster care.They were always the first to share with whoever would listen each child's diagnosis, family status and abuse history. It was so sad. People who were supposed to protect them had no respect or basic understanding of the children's right to privacy. My only guess is that sharing this information fulfilled some need for attention. I can't figure out why else they would want to expose these vulnerable children in the community like that.

I have also witnessed Mary Gaskill spouting personal information about the children in her care. It was uncomfortable. Another thing…she also seemed to create or imagine physical and mental problems some of these children had which I don't think they did have. Even saying both of these girls have FAS. Is that really true?

Would it make a difference to show up at the courthouse? I would like to show support for the girls. I also am afraid of Mary. What could be done?

March 20 10:42 I too remember vividly that the Gaskills did not respect or guard the childrens' privacy and almost could not wait to let you know a child's personal histoty which never should be shared with anyone at all.It is very sad and even when the children were older theystill talked about their backround in front of the childor children. I think they were just plain mean and it spoke volumes on how they viewed their role as foster parents.They truly did not care about these children and they seemedto enjoy talking about the unfortunate circumstances thatcaused them to be wards of the state by DCFS and in need offoster care. Unfortunately, the word PARENT is in the wordand definition of Foster Parent. Parent was not the role they took on. They were CUSTODIANS of these poor childrenand nothing more. If they were really Foster Parenting thesechildren they would have had their privacy respected andloved and treated as they treated their own biologicalchildren. THese children were just little people that they hadto put up with and many times treated as if they didn'texist as a lot of times they were not even around whenthey were visiting someone with their biological children.They were always second fiddle and as the children grew upthey knew that their so called parents could care less about them and they knew they really would never be real membersof this family even if legally adopted and given the nameGaskill.

I do not live in RF. Why are people so afraid of Mary Gaskill? I've heard she's quick to file a law suit… does anyone have solid info? I do know she sued her last employer when she was let go; I'm pretty sure they were happy just to give her $$ so she would go away. Also, does anyone know the true story of why she got kicked out of St. Luke's?

I knew the girls and have reason to believe their claims, and am thinking I should speak up — but want to know what I may be getting myself into.Thanks for any helpful info.

Anonymous 12:41PM: If you do know the girls and can vouch for their character, I am sure that would be greatly appreciated and possibly necessary in this case. Please consider giving that support.With so many children fostered, there may be other victims who may come forward…

To March 21 2012 12:09 AM In regards to the qustion you raised about wanting to go to court and sit on the prosecution side whether the girls are strong enough to be in court and perhaps testify or not. I hear your concerns loud and clear. I like you know for a fact and have witnessed Mary tell as many people has she could that the chidren in her care, especially Misty and Amber always bringing up the fact that they were FAS babies which if true is no one's dam business nor does it DEFINE who these girls are and that if true if you knew the girls (I am assuming you do) if it was true or not one of her many lies; the girls were progressing well in school and if they were so mentally disturbed, there would be documentation as well as intervention as we have one of the TOP school disricts in the state. Our teachers, social workers, and principals now and past, are top notch and very perceptive and pro-active when a child is struggling in academics, social behavior, and obvious behavior that the school Dist. would have our Dist. psychologist and evaluate the child and then make a judgement on how or if their needs should be addressed if they were in his jugement in need of prompt psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Mary also was a borderline mother that presented the disorder of (sp? may be incorrect: Munchowsin ) It is a disorder that mothers make up physical or mental symptons of a child as they themselves have problems and want attention on themselves not really the child. However, many believe Mary wanted everyone to believe these children were needy both mentally and physically andin some other childrens' cases, as what would she do if they were perceived as bright, overcoming problems they may or may not have? It would totally change what the state was paying them extra money for. If the children were mainstreamed without SP. ED services she would loose a substantial amount of money by the state. To go around putting a label of FAS whether true or not was her way of diminishing these children and putting a stigma on them that affected the girls sel-esteem immensely as they heard her talk about them even when they were in ear shot which was not only sad but despicable. She NEVER would do that to one of her BIO. children.

What do we do? We have a wonderful professional police/ detective force that will listen and take information off the record without diclosing our name. You can call the non-emergency # and ask to speak with detectives on the case and they will appreciate any info that will give them more insight into this case. It is IMPORTANT for the girls sake to give them the support they need NOW. We watched them suffer silently over the years and were concerned, sad, and heartbroken as we too were as helpless as they were as to report ANYTHING to DCFS and if she knew your identity there woud be hell to pay. This is a very serious case and it is not only RIGHT but necessary to help our force so they can paint the full picture of a horrible woman whose only interest was not the children, it was all about money so she could lavish and spoil her bio. kids and treat the children in her care as nothing more than borders in her home. So DO IT ASAP and tell other with info to do the same. IT does not even require a trip to the station and it is more helpful to have a dialog with the DET. than an e-mail. WE CITIZENS OF RF PROTECT ALL OUR CHILDREN: THESE GIRLS NEED ARE HELP AS THEY HAD NO PROTECTION THEIR WHOLE LIFE!

Totally Agree with the blogger for people who know and have experienced "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PERFECT WHITE GASKILL FENCE". I too am someone who has seen personally and heardfrom the mother herself criticizing, relaying private infoon the two victims especially; but sadly the other children as well. The damage she alone did to these children is not a crimethat she can be charged with except perhaps if those of usthat knew the family(THE PARENTS) and reported the damageshe was inflicting which some of us unfortunate enough towitness firsthand to DCFS maybe these girls might havebeen removed and no other child would have been placed with them. Looking back, we all know why we did not report heras she is feared by many myself included and there would behell to pay. I wish I would have now, as I realize she could be reported to the police and have a restrining order put on her. However,even if that happened she would find otherdevious ways to make life miserable for not only youbut your own family. WE can HELP NOW I AGREE AND WE OWE THAT TO THE GIRLS WHO KNOW HOW CRAZY SHE IS BUT STILL NOT ONLYFACED THE CRIMES OF THE ACCUSED BUT FACED AND KNEW THEYWOULD CONTINUE TO FACE BY HEARING ALL THE STILL AWFUL THINGSSHE IS TELLING EVERYONE THAT WILL LISTEN TO HELP HER HUBANDBT GETTING AWAY WITH HIS TORMENT JUST AS SHE HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT (DUPING DCFS AND OTHER PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY)ALL THESE YEARS. DCFS BETTER WAKE UP AS SHE STILL HASCHILDREN IN HER CARE THAT SHE OPENLY TELLS THEIR PRIVATEINFO IN FRONT OF THEM AS WELL.PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY NEED TO SPEAK WITH THE AUTHORITIESAND THEY WILL BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMPASSION ANDGOODCITIZENSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT DISCLOSE YOUR NAME ANDEVEN THOUGH OFF THE RECORD THIS INFO WILL GO ALONG WAYTO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE FAMILYS'BEHAVIOR AND IT IS PERTENENT AS IT SHOWS HOW LITTLE THESE CHILDREN WERECARED FOR AND RESPECTED. IT TOTALLY EXPLAINS WHY ABUSEBY THE ACCUSED IS NOT A LIE MADE UP BY THESE GIRLS ASTHE GASKILLS ARE TELLIN EVERYONE.SO DO WHAT IS RIGHT-PICK UP THE PHONE AND TALK TO A DETECTIVEON THE CASE AND HELP THESE GIRLS FINNALLY HAVE JUSTICE SERVED

LET"S MAKE THIS FORUM A FORUM OF ACTION AS WELLNOT JUST BLOGGING ABOUT WHAT WE KNOW.

To the blogger that does not live in RF your question on why people are so afraid of her is: she will send you hatemail, she will spread lies about you and your family,and chidren no less. She will do everthing she could possiblythink of and then some to hurt you anyway her screwed up mind can think of. The other question about her last job (CALVERYChurch} I attend there frequently. There was a problem with herwork ethics that could not be resolved and the churh sent out a letter rgarding her mutal aggrement with them to leaveher job immediately and I do believe she received severncepay for awhile, and yes they wished her well in the letterbut asked the chuch community not to gossip among each otherand yes they were happy to have her leave as it was so evident after she was not there. AS for ST. Luke I never went there but knoe people that attend sevices there and I was told she falsely accuseda priest (who was innocent-an investigation was done)of making inappropriate advances of a sexual nature toward her. The parish was stunned, she was driven outof the parish as people knew it was a lie and lost friendsand her family even suffered for awhile. Why she did this no one I talked to knew, but her mind was obviously disturbed and in the gutter I might add.I also believe the girls. IF you do have something to shareon their behalf as you knew them, like other people that arecontacting RF detectives they will protect your privacyand will be grateful of info that you can and should giveto help them prosecute this case.You will not be gettingyourself into anything. Your info will be off the record and perhaps even investigated. You will feel so good to at leastbe able to that for the girls and what you have to sharecan only help them and not harem them. There are so many adults that are accusing these girls of all kinds of thingsincluding serious mental illness and lack of intelligence as well.It is refreshing to finally see people coming forwardand helping these girls and they deserve help as they neverreceived any help from this family-only suffering and misery.

I do not know this woman personally. I have heard about her from people I know and nothing they said (Years Ago) was good. People sighted many of the things I have been reading on this blog, so I am not shocked of these girls sufferingsexual abuse in that home. I heard the girls have no reason to lie as the family is telling everyone who will listen.It is my opinion that all of these things put togetherpoint to a high probability that the crimed did happenas what kind of husband is he? He know doubt was nuts orperhaps he was afraid of her as well and was too passiveand let her call the shots. Which brings me to a point In would like to make. I would appreciate the people that know the two of them write on this blog if they have thought of this and agree. I think the girls were abused as the husbandcan't be quite right in the head as he obviously allowedhis wife to be so notorious in the community with her numerous acts of craziness toward other people she had it out for.Also, I think the two of them were partners in crime period.Reading what people who know them say is a real eye opener.It is obvious it was a business for them to make money.I read the article in the Oak Park paper that they even managed to run some type of foster care business out of theirhome called Tapestry. I can't believe they had the time withall those needy kids but I think if it involved making moneythey did it for profit only. I looked it up on line and whata surprise the sight was removed and no longer exsists. I think both of them did not respect these girls, love,them and be parents to them. Is it any wonder that left to his own devices he took away the girls innocent childhoods fora reportedly long time (years) and the girls paid a huge price-their lives were totally ruined by his sicknessand it was giong on after reading this blog while hiswife did everything she could by taking their self esteem and selfworth by her treatment of them and trashing themverbably to others even when they were around.It is too bad she isn't on trial along with him.She is just as despicable as he is.These girls deserve justice and if the jury after hearingwhat their life was like as a whole they will be sickenedas well. It is hard to read thi stuff without shedding tearsfor these girls. I hope they get all the support they canand I for one (they would not know me) will be sittingon the prosecution side. Hopefully, when the verdict is readand justive served for these girls suffering I along withmany will be shedding tears only when that happens the tears wiil be of joy.

Has anyone suggested RF Detectives set up a hot-line for people that have info to share can call and give info they have? I think the RF Dectives or police should set up and post it on line or in the RF newspaper as the Gaskillshad many people come and go in their life (until peoplereached the conclusion that they were off and Mary was crazy)They went through friends like wildfire. That in itself tellsyou they were strange. If RF police did set up a hot-line they will get many tips as they knew tons of people that knew them during the middle 90's and even presently. They belonged to the RF tennis cluband hung around many of the members there. Mary also was involved in that child care place in Oak Park that takes chidren in until they can be reunited with their familiesagain. I think she also volunteered there.So with all these contacts there has to be more info onhow they parented the childen they took in and what peopleperceived or learned about them from theirsocializingwith the two of them as well as the children.

ATT: River Foresters and Oak Parkers If you come across and have read this blog for the first time and feel like many people that have come to the young victims aide in support, concern and want the girls to prevail in putting this foster and or adoptive father in jail where he belongs as these girls would not make this up as they are grown now and I'm sure they were or are expecting their FST parents to say the most horrible and despicable things to convince their circle of religious fanatics that the charges are bogus and these girls are either mentally ill or just plain liars. I ask you, why would the girls knowing their FST P's horrible vindictive nature draw attention to themselves and read or hear what the couple are spreading around about them? These girls are not only extremely brave but contrary to the FST parents lies they are intelligent and know right from wrong. They suffered for a long time and were silent for obvious reasons. Think of what they would be up against, not to mention their tender ages when their life was upside down. In the beginning, I bet they thought that was some kind of special attention with dad as they were so young. When older they knew they could not tell anyone as they knew nobody would believe them based on all their FST parents fans. Also, predators are more than capable of keeping them in a state of fear with so many manipulations that they lived like this was just their fate and obviously were so scared that they carried this deep secret like a noose around their neck. Help them now. Put yourself in their place right now. Think about how difficult but neessary exposure of the accused that did this to them. They never had anybody but each other. No one was in their corner, and even now adults there are adults that beleive a a perfect FST parent like the defendent could possibly comitt the crimes he is accused of. Please consider even if you are known and are recognizable to the FST parents stand up to them and sit with the prosecution side as that is the right thing to do. What can Mary really do to you now? She and her husband are in serious trouble already. I doubt she will want the police to come to her door with charges of harasment or other threating behavior. Those of you out there that do not know them but believe these girls are telling the truth go to court as well on their behalf. Also, if you have info to share that will help the girls case in any way, call the RF police and they will protect your privacy because they have had many dealings with her themselves and know her to be difficult. Everyone that cares about abuse of children of sexually, physically and mentally need to do whatever you can and help these girls recieve the justice they truly deserve. Help remove that noose they have been carrying around their necks for most of their life. Don't let them down.

DCFS needs letters wriiten to them as well. There are no excuses that they could possibly make to defend themselves on totally not seein the Gaskills for the leeches they are. They had four children of their own. The fact that they had as many as eight foster/adopted children on top of the four is insanatity. Did they think the couple had super human parenting powers? I will never understand this horrible mistake that did not have to happen in the first place. To place eight special needs children some with serious health problems as well is unreal. They did not even pick up on the motivation of this couple. To keep wanting and asking and actually being allowed to have that many did not even ring the bell for them. How did they miss what everyone around them knew for years? They made foster-care a business to garner big money from the tax payers of this state (tax free) and the reason there were and never have been children placed in the home without special needs is the difference in money the state pays as special needs chidren placed in a FST. home get a whole lot of more money. What a surprise? How lame are the case-workers supervisors and up? They obviously did not do a home-study that required really examinig why they were so bent on FST care of Sp needs children when apparently their yougest child was the same age as the Misty the older sister of Amber. I'm sure the biological child that was the youngest had a hard time making room for a child her age appearing out of the blue and sharing the attention from the parents. DCFS should have seen trouble right ther and then. I'm sure the two girls could have gone to a couple either with one older child or better yet, no other children in the home. What is there explanation by constantly adding more and more children to the home? Also, what were they thinking that they let up to 75 infants and or toddlers over the years that stayed for short periods as well as long periods while they had their handsful already? So many questions that the media has not even discussed. Someone else on this blog said the girls should be able to sue the state as well as a civil suit on the Gaskill family. I hope they can and are able to sue both. There is no amount of money that can make up for their lost childhood and the suffering they have had to endure thaks to DCFS and these money grubber parents. My advice is beside writing letters to the girls that will support them (maybe the girls can send them to the judge) or give them to the state attorney office to let the juge read). The judge obviously has not evaluated this case with sound judgement as she denied the prosecutions request for no bail. Since when does a defendenet charged with two class X felonies get no bail because of a bunch of nut jobs show up in court and write letters that the man is perfect and above the law because he like his wife put on a good act as "a great family man" Totally not impressed with this judge. She should receive letters as well. Thank God this case will be heard by a jury.

To MARCH 21, 11:07PM The comment that the husbans made on more than one occasion is really a true admission on his part as he knew he was not the one that was in charge of anything unless his wife put him in charge of whatever she wanted out of him that she would benefit from. He was home holding the fort down more than she was, as she tried to be a social butterfly to keep up the appearances. Also, she took her bio kids every where while MR. Mary Gsskill was home with the FST. children.

I read these posts this morning. I have been out of town on a business trip for a week and have not kept up on this blog.I have learned so much more than I knew about the Gaskillswho I have encountered at RF TENNIS CLUB in the past.I aleays saw them with their bio kids and their bio kidseven took tennis lessons with my children (same age groups).Their children were very nice and my children lookedforward to seeing them at the pool as well besides themany wonderful children oriented events that the club hasfor them to enjoy. Thinking back, when thet started addingfoster children to their home, the children were seldomthere with either parent. I believe I saw Mary once or twicein passing when the fst. children (the two girls) were littlein towe and she stopped and told me she was now parentingthese two girls (she said temporarily at that time).I was surprised but I knew them to be quite involved withtheir bio kids that I thought it was nice and as long as she was happy to help other children she should be commended.I rememder the two girls reminded me of the Olsen twingirls that were on the show FULL HOUSE and thought they wereso cute. Mary did tell me that the reason she had then temporarily was that they were taken or I forgot relenquishedwhile thei bio mom was in rehab or something like that.She went on to say they were FAS babies and were likely tohave learning problems because of FAS. I felt really sadfor the childrens' circunstances but I thought at leastthey were in a good home with a loving family as I sawthe couple with their bio children and knew the to beinvolved and protective of them at the club.I never really seen the two girls as often as the bio,maybe a few times. It has been a long time so it is hardto remember. Ther were times when I saw the whole fanmilyin passing but I did not see the twolittle girls and I assumed they were no longer with the family and thoughtnothing of it. Later, I learned the girls were stayingfor an indefinite amount of time and I still did not seethem that much at the club. I did see them once or a few timesat the kiddie pool while one or two of her bio childrenwere at the pool for a free swim.My kid and her bio kids are all grown up now and I stillan a member of the club but the family has not been herefor quite a long time. I totally lost touch except for hearingfrom my own children and other people that they had addedquite a few more FST kids to their family and that the little girls were permanetely in their care. I marvelvedat how they could keep up with a houseful of needy chidren as well as their own and because of the FST childrenhaving Sp needs I felt that they would have many difficultieskeeping up with their own childrens' lives and numerousactivities. I have heard many of the same thingsalready mentioned on this blog. I am deeply saddened for thetwo girls and I will never forget their cute little facesthe day I first them. I hope the girls do get support from our community, and the community responds with info to authorities not only what they know from the girls early yearsbut their high-school years as well. I heard they were veryunhappy teens and who could blame them if depression cametheir way with a life that through no fault of their ownwas a living hell and total nightmare. It is amazing to mehow far they have come from being totally helpless to now realizing they finally are no longer helpllessand are having their voices heard.

To Rally and or Crabbina, Do you think the girls will testify in a case like this that would be very hard to do in a courtroom full of people, especially seeing the accused and his wife who apparently did not make their life easier from what I have read on this blog? Also, will it hurt their case if they choose no to? Will the prosecutors prepare them for the vicious nature of what the defense will be saying about them from the exaggerated and fabricated lies that the family has said and will have their lawyer say in open court about them? Also, in these cases is it your opinion and experience from following cases like this one that the accused will have to take the stand? I am just wondering if the victims do not testify will it hurt their case? They are young adults now; but I would think it would be difficult reliving the abuse they suffered as little girls. Also, will the court let citizens that want to sit on the prosecution side to support the girls even if they may not be in court during the trial? I know these are a lot of questions but I personally have never been involved in a trial case and I do want to be there for the girls as this family has their clan of supporters who are viciously telling the lies that the Gaskills would like them to spread around to boost their portrayal of these girls as totally deranged and liars. It sickens me that the girls may not have many people supporting them unless people like myself attend court and sit on the states' side.

I want to thank everyone again for sharing such amazing details for our readers!To the commenter just above: I can only speculate on all of your really great questions (many of which I share). I *hope* that the emotional well-being of the victims is taken into consideration. They are adults now, so I don't know if they will receive less consideration but maybe they could be videotaped in. I am not familiar with that courtroom to know.I would think that they would have to testify in some manner as that will be key for the prosecution and I feel that they could really benefit from character witnesses.If the prosecutor is good, he should prepare them. I think they would be prepared. So far as I can tell, the court is still open to the public and in other cases in other parts of the country, those that want to be there to support the victims are allowed.

Sometimes the issue is that the court dates aren't publically announced -hard to come by the information. Some jurisdictions are completely transparent and you can search criminal cases online for ALL upcoming court dates. Others, like this county do not have that available. I *think* you can call the court and ask if they will disclose that.The worst they could say is No we can't release that information.

Okay, I've printed up the 37 pages (so far) of this blog, and I am sending the package to Judge Love at the Maybrook Courthouse, with a note saying that I want to speak on behalf of the girls, but with the condition that my identity be protected from Mary Gaskill.

Could someone also make sure that DCFS and the RF police and the girls' prosecutor are made aware of this blog?

The next court date, as published in the local papers, is April 26. So far, these published dates have been true.

I preface these comments by saying that any interaction between my family and the Gaskills was terminated more than a decade ago. However, having known the Gaskills and their family for many years,I was initially dumbfounded by Missy and Amber's allegations of sexual abuse by their Father, Rob. You see, I began to think of Rob Gaskill as a victim of domestic abuse. I still believe that he was/is and in his sick little world, he made Missy and Amber, his victims.

He did not confess! There is not written or audio confession. Just a statement by ONE policeman. The media is presenting this as a one sided story. Look into it before you spew lies! These girls if you look at their record with the police have a history of lying to the police! You know nothing about this case. I cannot believe the media is so one sided on this. This case is reminding me of the one in Florida right now except that this guy is not black so no one is there to protest this. Everyone thinks these girls are so innocent. Well look into it further. Not every child is innocent and rushing to judgement is not right. There has been NOTHING reported on the other side. I am so ashamed at the media and the police seem very corrupt. Who gets a report by two girls with a history of lying to the police and doesn't look one speck into the other side of things??? It seems as though the police want him to be guilty. Maybe since it's an election year? They think it will be this huge case or something. Based on what I've been reading in the news I feel something is up here. There is nothing reported on the other side and it looks like they've investigated nothing! Shameful.

This page makes me sick! This man has not even been convicted! The media has been very biased not reporting on the other side at all. As a person who does believe in good and being just and fair you need to look into both sides. Something the police and media have not done at all. I am not saying that this could never happen but I would NEVER EVER say someone is guilty before being proven innocent. Which is what everyone is doing and is not how the law is supposed to work! If this were the other way around there is no way the media would be reporting like this. This is America where you should get a fair trial. I guess not anymore. And people who make accusations when they know nothing about the real case or before a person has been tried are sickening human beings. If you want to make a rush judgement wait at least until this man has been proven guilty or innocent. I am ashamed of everyone on here!

This man did not confess. He pleaded not guilty. There was no confession. There is a statement by a policeman who said he confessed but is there a written or audio confession? I haven't read about one. I watch tv. I know it's nothing like real life but if anything I know how they can twist your words into something different. This guy was stupid for going with the police but if anything I bet he thought he was innocent so why not. That is one thing I always tell people. Don't go with police if you don't have to and don't speak without your lawyer. This can be an example for anyone else in this situation. Never speak without your attorney present. I believe had he not gone there he might not have been in jail. From what I read and having witnessed a false accusation and a true one in my life you need to have a good lawyer and don't say anything without them. In both cases the family's lives were completely ruined. If this man is innocent and it's anything like what I've seen in the past, this family will lose everything. FYI this can happen to anyone. I actually thought it would be nice one day to be a foster parent one day but now after reading about this case there is no way in ____ I'd ever do that. I hope that each side is represented fairly because if this man is innocent he will probably lose everything, reputation, money, family…if these girls are lying they won't have lost anything. You say that there are plenty of cases on here where a man did this and he was a foster parent but there are also plenty of cases where children lie. We can't just rush to judgement because these were children. They are making these accusations as adults and if they are true then that is very sad but we don't know so both sides need to be represented fairly.

Sarah, I do not know how long you have known this family. Yes, we all KNOW this man has not been convicted and innocent until proven guilty.People that have come forward with their EXPERIENCES and WITNESSING FIRSTHAND the family as it evolved over an EXTENDED period of time feel compelled obviously to come forward and reflect on a couple that portrayed themselves as fst. parents that were too amazing for words.

Go back on this blog and read CRABBINA

She is an expert on this blog her name appears on the homepage of this forum). In your outrage expressed you say "this is not how the the law is supposed to work" How is it that this blog expressing concern and support of these two girls with real life experiences as well as witnessing how the girls were not valued even early on by this this couple, any different than what the Gaskill Groupies have and are doing defending the accused as being so pure and pristine and absoluely the best father that ever walked the planet? They have written character refs to the judge, they have crammed the court room even breaking court rules by standing up when the accused enters or leaves, and go around spreading the mosr awful demining comments about these two girls being so mentally disturbed and total liars and are even still telling people about the girls having FAS at birth. Many of these people NEVER WITNESSED HEARD IN PERSON how these girls were devalued by this family. (PROBABLY NONE) as the Gaskills always manage to attract new friends that get sucked into their web of lies and USE these people to place them on a new pedastal as they have been knocked off so many it isn't even funny. Read Mar. 19 6:14 PM-"Relaying isolated incidents may seem weak but when circumstantial evidence is cumalative, the weakness of such evidence is strengthened as MORE PEOPLE COME FORWARD SO we can help PAINT THE COMPLETE PICTURE" Sorry you don't like the picture that is now being PAINTED of this horrible and deplorable case that is the outcome from many of the examples and reasons that people have known and been AWARE of for along time.These people want to help because many of us just stopped sociallizing with them when we should have reported our concerns to DCFS. In our defense at the time, we did not report what we saw and heard as Mary would have denied it antway and if she KNEW YOUR IDENTITY she is so disturbed that you and your family would have HELL TO PAY> Do I need to say more?

Officer Rutz who has been in River Forest a long time and was quoted as saying that everything he knew or perceived of Mr.Gaskill was that he was well known andliked in the community. I would think that if Officer Rutzwas at the station or even called in on the case as he "KNEW" Mr. Gaskill to be an upstanding and well known citizen,he would have had the police when investigating the caseprior to Mr. Gaskill's arrest, warned that in order toeven make the arrest their needed to be credible testimony and or evidence that would warrant an arrest to begin with.I really don't think the dept.would allow an officer to investigate and question someone in custody without anotherofficer present. The officer that stated what Mr. Gaskill saidhad no reason to say that statement as worded for tworeasons: 1. it is such a perverted statement that I can'timagine making up. A biting fetish? Really? How sick isthat for a officer to say? Even if it is not in writing,the RF police would not make up something that sick justto trump up a case because they enjoy setting up an individualto face serious charges.2. I'm sure even if some of them never even heard or knew Mr. Gaskill they were probably told thathe was a model citizen. During their questioning and investigating if anything , the charges had to really holdwater so to speak, as they were probably hoping to beginwith that the girls were lying so there would not be a caseor an arrest of Mr. Gaskill. It is my humble opinion that if anything they were more likely to do everything they couldto be careful in the investigation because they themselvesprobably were stunned that the case had merit and that the girls ( if they lied in the past to them) were not lying this time. We do not know everything they knowand it seems more likely than not that Mr. Gaskillmade the statement he did before his attorney arrivedand then back peddled and said he did not. He knowdoubt when making the statement was admitting thathe did abuse the girls and probably thought that maybebesides the girls testimony the police probably hadand maybe still do (like knowing something about his bodyparts) that he was finally caught and figured he would be getting arrested anyway. He had to be stressed out byjust being arrested in the first place. After hearing the charges he made a incriminating statement that seems veryfar fetched an officer or officers made up. If anythingbecause he was well known they themselves probably wereshocked and saddened that he was arrested for such serious crime. He says he did not confess but the statement is anaddmission of guilt and such statements even if not a written admiision can and will be used against him. It is not worthan officer making up such a statement because the officerjust wants to make the case go to a grand jury. What is init for Rf police dept.to have a case like this from a citizen in their own back yard? I seriously doubt they were gleefullto see Mr. Gsaskill in the position he was in,but the law does not discriminate between a model citizen or a citizenthat is always in trouble. Sadly, they had to charge andarrest him and a grand jury had to judge if this casehad merits and they did; so it is not as simple as sayingthat he is in trouble for what he said but other components as well. The case is sad for many that know Mr. Gaskill as well.

To Mar.23-12: 29 pm–Thank you for being such a great exampleof what people can do seperately and collectively whenthey see a side of a case that has many pieces that whenpieced togrther, expose a sad picture of the lives thesechildren endured for years. When looking at just what has been revealed here by people that feel a need to express whatencounters (some more than others)that are basically thesame observations and experiences with the way thechidren especially these two girls,were belittled andalmost distained by the mental and emotional abuse bythe mother alone, it is easy to see this couple reallyif they had the money they felt they needed would haveno doubt would have NEVER become foster parents to begin with it.The picture emerging is also making it seem very believablethat sexual abuse occured in this home that really shouldnot have ANY children placed with them by DCFS.It is also apparent as stated that these children heldlittle or no value to either couple accept for the incomethey receieved over these many years.The accused sounds like he may have had deep seated issuesthat made him feel less of a man by his dominering wifewho was known to be so much of a powerful figure in thehousehold that as somene said the accused introduced himselfon more than one occasion as Mr. MARY GASKILl. There is alwayssome truth revealed when someone makes a statement thathe thought was perhaps funny but really is sad as whathusband would like to admit to the fact that he is notin charge but his wife is. Mr. Gaskill probably had builtup hostility within himself and perhaps abused the girlsas he could then have some "manly" control in his life thathis wife never really let him have. His wife in a sensecreated a monster by her taking on the manly role andthis man as someone else said suffered from domesticverbal and female dominence (abuse without physical actions.)It is a great first step by printing this blogeven as it evolves which I'm sure more people will wantto share their personal negative exp. with the way thesegirls were treated even as little tiny girls and theirwhole life with these fst. pts. The judge will have somereading of the Gaskiil book (without simply judging them by theCOVER) that they want everyone to read only and walk awayand be so impressed with their (cover-up) that people reallygo no further and read the sorid details of the poor jobthey did by the children placed in your care.I personally am so ANGRY with DCFS AND I and others will be contacting them and they too will read the blogs on thi forum. Also, I have spoken with RF police and I,m surethey are expanding their direction into this couples notso pristine reputation (especially the wife and her crazybehavior) including lying herself (maybe to make her husbandjealous) by false accusations that a priest made sexualadvances toward her) PROVEN NOT TRUE. Ironic as she believesthat these girls are lying by coming forward to defendthemselves. IU hope everone that have expressed supportfor the victims take actions as the court case needs thewhole book to be read and not just the beautiful coverth Gaskils want the court to read without knowing thehistory that indeed made this a home where sex abusecould and we will use the word "aledgedely took place"Yes, the defendent is innocent until proven guilty-but all the facts need to be considered before a verdictcan be made. That is why it is important that the courthave all the pieces and base this case on its totallynot just the few pieces the Gaskills want the court to know as THAT IS NOT FAIR TO THE VICTIMS who deservethe Gaskills be evaluated fully so then and only thenthe jury can make its' decision fairly and not just one-sided.

I agree with the above post."That it is not fair to the victims" if the Gaskills are not fully evaluated incharacter as well as the treatment that was apparentlywitnessed by people that knew them well and even those that knew them for a time and thought their role asfst. parents was not the role of truly selfless,lovingtireless advocates for the children in their careespecially these two girls. The court needs all info.so they can put all the pieces together to understandhow this may have happened as the home life left a loto be desired and was not the home these girls couldhave thrived in. The court has already been getting a picture from the Gaskill supporters that believe the home could not have been nothing but a loving, caring,and dedicated parentsnot only to the bio children but ALL the children in their care. the court has also received letters of support filledwith glowing accounts hoew this dad is and family manthat should be held in the highest esteem and is beingfalsely accused by two liars who are disturbed.Let the court see both pictures and form their opinionbased on the entire pieces of this puzzle that begs tobe based on everthing as a whole. Then and only thenwill the girls be on equal footing with the defendent that has his supporters only paint one side of this case and thatthe girls are not tob taken credible as they are liars,disturbed and as evil as they come. Somewhere in this messthey are answers that can only emerge if the totality of these girls lives are factored in to explain how even a modelcitizen could end up being the predetor that this dad is accused of in spite of how outstanding he has been regarded in the community. If the girls are proved to be mentally illand gravely disturbed and have made false statements regardingtheir sad lives the state is more than capable of makingsure that this man not be punished and will be vindicated.None of this can happen fairly for either party if all the pieces of this picture are not there for the jury toevaluate and come to a just decision in this case.It should be everyones' hope that there be a fair trialthat have all the pieces tp put together in order to render a verdict that is right and just.Give the jury everthing that they need to know before theydeliberate this case based on all facts and all characterwitnesses for the accused as well as the victims.Justice will prevail only if the jury hears everythingabout both sides. The scales of justice need to be equalwhen the jurors deliberate and make a decision on the merits that were given to them in court.

Amber (5 or 6 YO at the time) would be sitting on Rob's lap and he would call her a moron. When I asked why he said that, he would say "She is an idiot, why not?" I would say that this was not a nice thing to say and he would just laugh. This was not a single occurrence. At the same time, his wife would say "Doesn't he (Rob) look like Alfred E Neumann?" Another stream was "I know he is Jewish-listen to his Mother's and Father's first names. Only Jewish people have those names."

Amen! Let the court system get a clear picture of both sides of this case evenly. Court cases of this nature have to evaluate everthing that is presented on both sides. Most times victims like these girls especially fst. care victims are not given any support as they do not have a support system in place to begin with. Unlike the accused who has support, family and friends supporting him and speaking on his behalf, these girls need people that can help them with their exp with the girls as well as thier observances of the interactions and behavior of the interactions that many on this blog noted and can attest to. It would be unfair and unjust for the victims not to be given the same respect and support as the accuser. The prosecution unlike the defense always has this problem when these kind of cases are tried in a court because the family depicts them now as outsiders and not as children that were truly a real part of this family from the beginning. A trial can only be fair when each side is heard not just one side. This is horribly painful for both sides. Compassion for everyone in this case is needed and necessary as cases like this have far reaching effects for the accused and the victims . I pray for both sides that justice will be made by a fair and balanced trial that people can respect at the end because each side was given the same rights and support to have their voices heard. If you do nothing else, and believe in prayer, pray fo a Fair and Just trial for both sides and let God do the rest.

It is true that Mary Gaskill did tell anyone who would listen personal facts about her foster children. I don't know if that alone is representative of continual emotional abuse in the home. I think what we need is someone who was very close with them and in the home often to come forward and give a scenario of what it was like for the family with every day living. Personally, when I think of it now, I cannot imagine that any home would run smoothly and adequately with so many children, some the same age and some with disabilities. The more I think of it the more I am also angry with myself. How did this happen? What could I have personally done? If DCFS didn't think this was cause for concern, then who am I to question?

I too like the blogger above heard Rob (not just MARY) make disparging remarks of particularly Amber. (Mary talkednegatively about both girl in my presence even with thegirls close enough to hear). However, Rob would say how"stupid" Amber looked more than once. I am not surprisedwhat I have just read on this blog calling heran idiot while she was sitting on his lap.This verbal abuse early on and later only made Ambera child that thought she really was stupid and I reallybelieve her stuttering and stuggle to express herselfwas due to the impact of her low self-esteem and anxietyby the stress of hearing over and over that she was an idiotand stupid. If he said that in public what else did he or Mary say to these girls in private. I am convinced theyboth verbally abused them by bringing FAS up to the theirwhole life. The fact that Rob in public said insults aboutAmber explains how she easily could be preyed upon by hieven at the age of 12 as reported. He knew she was illequipped to express herself and she had so many years of being told how stupid she was and looked it would be highly doubtfallthat she would come forward and tell anyone in authoritybecause she though no one would believe her as why would they believe someone as stupid as her over her BRILLIANTAND OH SO HANDSOME Fst.dad. This sheds alot of lighton this case and the girls should be questined abouthow they were spoken to behind closed doors as well as in person. How despicable is it to take a childs' self esteemaway and cause her to view herself inferior to everyonearound her. Is it no wonder he went the next step and preyedupon a little girl (girls) with the MOST DESPICABLE AND HENIOUS ACT that could possibly be done to a chid (CHILDREN).That is why ALL THE PIECES OF THE MANY DARK AND SICKtreatment of these girls NEED TO BE HEARD IN COURT as even a child could piece this case together and concludethe girls are NOT LYING. TOO BAD IF MANY OF YOU DON'TLIKE HEARING AN OPINION AS HE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT.However, based on this couple that DCFS deemed qualifiedand truly WONDERFUL fst. Parents, their ACTIONS SPEAKLOUD AND CLEAR-THEY FAILED THESE GIRLS MISERABLY andI for one think these girls have been victimized bythis couple and it is MORE THAN LIKELY THAN NOT THAT THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE POINT TO GUILTY AS CHARGED>AGAIN I KNOW PEOPLE WILL SAY HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT-TO ALL OF YOU I SAY -GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SANDAND START DIGGING DEEPER AND PUT EVERTHING YOUARE READING ON THIS BLOG AND ASK YOURSELF IF YOUREALLY SEE HOW THIS COULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED INTHE HOLY HOUSE OF THE GASKILLS?

I like Mar. 24 5:53 felt the same way about DCFS.I feel very bad about myself for not reporting the times I was in the home and the unfair treatment of the fst children was waydiffernt and very apparent. These children lived by a whole set of rules not enforced to the bio children. When Mistyand Amber were little (approx ages MIsty 6 Amber 4) when the family had company over of any kind for any occassionthe girls were not even seen. Instead, they had an extremelyearly bedtime ( 5:o'clock 5:30) whether they wanted to or not,This was a red flag at the time as children by those agesare not READY to go to sleep; plus they were (girls) missingout on the fun the bio children were having with the company'schildren.If Mary was questioned she would say they were overstimulated or they were super earlt risers and needed tobe in bed early. The girls bedrooms were in the attic bedroomson the third floor. Isolated, and I do not remember ever seeingthem come downstairs at all .We as ousiders that did not live there day in and day outcan only speculate that if we witnessed unfair treatmentdispariging words, and other slights these girls receivedin the presence of company, we can only conclude thatthis was no doubt consitent with their daily living andwithout others around it no doubt was worse.I like many others thought of what just hit you now, thatis many of us simply were troubled and baffled that a household with even more very needy children could no waybe managed to the advantage of these children individully andcollectively to improve their life in any way. Rob never workedlate hours and came home to his second job which wasway more stressful and 10 times harder. Mary put him towork and WORK he did. We all now look back and ask whatwe should of done and could of done so you are not aloneand unfortunately have alot of company. Do I wish nowthat I and others that knew things were not what the Gaskillswanted portrayed of themselves reported to DCFS what wealready knew and what we surmised was a home that was reallynot a home but a boarding house? ABSOLUTELY. Hind-sight is20 20. In defense of people that did not buy their happyever happy home for these poor kids (myself included) manyof us stayed as far away as possible as we did not want to knowor witness anymore than we already had. We thought DCFS must be checking and that if DCFS were happy with the way things were then it was on their heads and not ours.This is really making me want to get involved in outingall the horrible MISTAKES DCFS does on a regular basis and this has been a big WAKE UP CALL. I live chidren too muchto allow DCFS not to be held accountable for their totallack of ACCOUNTABILITY and I am already making it knownthat I and many others will be expecting them to come to the aid of these girls rather than make PHONY EXCUSES FORtheir EXTREME INADEQUCIES.If you feel that angry with yourselfnow, do something for the girls. Stand up for them.The accused has many delusional people standing up forhim and I bet they are mostly new friends (they changed friendsso often) and are disparaging these young girls every chancethey get as This couple to them are SUPER HERO DAD AND MOM.Sadly, they have fallen for this familys' FALSE PERSONA andbelieve they are GOD LOVING PEOPLE. Makes you want throwup doesn't it?

Whenever there was a dinner party with Friends, Amber, Missy and Another were locked up on the third floor; the biological children were always at the parties. Furthermore, Missy was the caretakes of Amber and the Other from a very, very early age (less than 10 years old) every night. She bathed them and put them to bed and then the three of them were locked up on the third floor.

Well, after reading all this, I can thank God that Rob was not black because the rush to judgment would be even worse. We're all going to have to wait until the trial to know the truth. Police, God bless them, have unfortunately shown a capacity to misconstrue, mislead and sometimes outright lie in order to shape public opinion. We would still have death penalty in the state if police departments from across the entire state didn't railroad people into false confessions, leading questions and constructed recollections. The juicy tidbit about a "biting fetish" which is the kind of viral information that plays well in the news media could very well have come out of a marathon questioning session that goes like this: Good Cop: "Mr. Gaskill, can you think of any misunderstanding that could lead these confused girls to make such accusations?"Gaskill: "I don't know, I don't know. Sometimes I play with them and they bite me?"Good Cop: "I can see that. So you're just playing with them, right? Where do they bite you?"Gaskill: "Not on any private parts, but all over, you know, feet, hands. It's all just for fun."Good cop: "Sometimes it's easy to get aroused this kind of thing, you know."Gaskill: "Oh I know, my wife and I sometimes bite each other in a playful fetish kind of way." Bad Cop Writes in His Notebook: "Gaskill confesses he has a biting fetish and gets sexually aroused when allowing his children to bite him all over".

The facts that are and have been emerging from peopleon this blog with exp. with knowing this familyand witnessing verbal abuse as well as treatment that was unfair and very different from the bio kids EXPLAINSalot on how this home was not a home for these girls and anyother children in their care. How the state put so many kids with sp needs in this home is moronic.This blog has had many examples that point to a couplethat viwed these children as meal tickets and were neverreally parenting these children to begin with.It explains how abuse of these girls EASILY and HIGHPROBABILITY that the abuse happened and these girlsare NOT LYING. I hope the girls tell the state attorney officehow it really was growing up in a house where you wereinsulted, unrespected and mistreated because you werenot viwed as areal part of the family, your worth wasmonteray only and years of suffering from mental abusewent on (simultainiously with despical sex abuse as well.This couple deserve to be investigatedd thourughly,people need to not only blog that know stuff but talkto authorities as a picture of the life these girls ledpoints to the picture how sexual abuse happened for theextended time the girls have come forward as youngwomen who are finally free and are now strong enoughto stand up for the horrible suufering they endured formany years by the predator as well as the sufferingand crel treatment by BOTH these so called FST PARENTS.Tthes two need to be held accountable. One needs to brought to trial and hopefully found guilty and punished. THe otherthe cruel crazy mother should have the state REMOVE thechildren in her care as she is NOT A MOTHER IN ANYSENSE OF THE WORD TO THESE POOR CHILDREN. SHE and herhusband the PREDATOR have and still look at having thesechidren in their home for MONETARY GAINS PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Anonymous 12:48 pm – this is Crabbina. Thank you very much for posting – and thank you to all who have posted, even those who swear that Mr. Gaskill is being framed. You are obviously not aware that your faith in his innocence and your insulting of the children and police force is as damning in its way as those who are calling him and his wife out after many years of seeing abusive behavior and doing nothing to stop it.

In any case, we have no personal knowledge of these people or this community and we are glad we can provide an open forum for those to post about it, whichever "side" you are on. As is clear from the purpose of this blog, we are on the side of justice and to give voice to the voiceless and powerless, and in this case it means the CHILDREN. I personally find it hard to believe that children who grew up in a household as has been described in detail by many who have posted here would dare risk a court case were there not some (or total) truth to their allegations, but that is just my opinion.

As for DCFS, again, I am not familiar with their regulations in your state so I can't answer your question. However, if this is the DCFS that placed children in this family over the years, I would have grave reservations about their basic judgment, wouldn't you? I do not think it is ever a good idea for SN children, especially if they are very young, to be subjected to placement in a home with many other SN children. How can they possibly get the attention and treatments they need? But as we all know, DCFS is overworked and often called upon to make judgments that in retrospect are horribly if not fatally flawed. They may have been sucked in by the alleged Gaskill charm and/or pretense of expertise. Or there may have been other factors at play. I just don't know. Hopefully all will be revealed in court.

To the person who blogged that thins that people thatare putting together the overall picture that has emmergedfrom people that know and been around this family to make or form an OPINION if the home lent itself to sexual abuse POSSIBLY OR LIKELY in probability as the picture that isand continues to emerge are parents that could and did notrepect the privacy of these girls and actually ( Rob waswitnessed by many calling Amber derogatry adjs. and bothparents would make them have a super early bedtime aandlocked them on the third floor ( bedrooms) when entertaingwhile their bio kids could enjoy the company and go to sleep when they were tired. Their yougest bio kid is the same ageas Misty, why was she not put to bed early so she wouldbe out of the way as well? Funny, you bless the police andthen go on to say that if he were black he would receiveworse treatment. Also, you accuse them of micontruing infoto affect public opinion. You are wrong on both statements.First, saying if he were black implies we have a RACIST policeforce here in RF. Also, the police in RF have solved and havemany cases that the arrested person is questioned to see toget more info and we as citizens have NEVER heard them put out statements to justify an arrest and or have the state attorney office influenced to have the person placed in custody before a bond hearing and placed in jail.What possibly is in it for RF police treat a localwell liked and known citizen (UNLIKE HIS PSYCHO WIFE) andspread rumors and or take glee that they even had to arrestMr. Gaskill at all? I'm sure like many in the communitythey themselves felt bad that before they even brought him to the station the day he was arrested, they investigated theinfo and accusation by the victims for several weeks as theywould NOT ARREST a citizen unless facts pointed to therebeing evidence gathered that supported the victims accusations,and arresting the suspect to tell him why he was arrestedand that they were formally charging him with the offesehe was arrested for in the first place. I'm sure MR.Gaskillwas treated well (RACE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT). Mr. Gaskillhad to be nervous and whatever he said that perhaps incriminated himself without realizing it maybe came fromthe fact that he figured since he was arrested and gettingbooked the police knew a lot of info and a plausable explanation could have simply he carried this around with him so long and felt guilty and until hi attorney arrived hemight have even confessed. THis is conjecture of course,but no different than the conjecture you stated.You also made up a dialogue that you even had questionsand answers made up to prove how unscrupoulos RF policeand dtectives are. Where did you get that dialouge from?It makes me wonder if you got it from the horses' mouth.Also, it seems like THIS IS THE SPIN ON HIS STATEMENT THATAN OFFICER SWORE UNDER OATH LIED AND PURGERED HIMSELF BYPURPOSEFULLY TRYING TO MAKE UP SOMETHING SO SICK TO MAKESURE Mr. Gaskill a cizen of RF well respected, go to trialbecause RF dets. love to see one their well known citizensbeing falsely accused and having to face a trial that theGrand jury felt there was ENOUGH there to go to a regulartrial. YA- that makes TOTAL SENSE. Your DIALOUGE BETWEENOFFICER and ACCUSESD SMACKS OF JUST WHAT THE GASKILLSWANT FLOATING OUT THERE. As for you get a reality check.Rf police ARE NOT NOR EVER HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF SETTINGUP SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY LOVE SEEING PEOPLE SUFFER NEEDLESSLYAND A WELL LIKED CITIZEN OF RF JUST MAKES IT THAT MUCH BETTER.

How many DADs Of GIRLS OR BOYS (AGES 4 and up)BITE their kids all over becuse they LIKE IT?Why?? would a dad think that that is appropriate behaviorin any way shape or form? Also, would not that give the girlsan example that biting is a fun activity to participate in?If so, was he not getting them ready to "BITE" him in the future? Totally LAME EXCUSE and sorry but I for on am not buying it? Anyone else ???????????????????????????????????

I have known the family for several years and have witnessed many similar instances of verbal and emotional abuse to those recounted by previous posters. It is encouraging to see so many coming forward in support of Missy and Amber. I hope that those who have helpful information will not hesitate to share it with the authorities. To the foolish people spouting slander and FAS factoids, please stop.

I find it hard to believe the accused thought it was afun activity that the girls enjoyed to bite himeverywhere (of course not any where near his private parts)and he allowed this inappropiate fun activity to let the girls do because they thought it was fun. Is he kidding?If he said that to show what a fun playful dad he was to make them happy it is out of the realm of reality.Since when do parents allow such behavior because the childor children like it? If they liked and thought it was fun to set him on fire I suppose because he is such a fun dadhe would allow that as well? Does he really believe anyonewould think wow why didn't my kids think of that fun activity?The other blog before me called it a Lame excuse for the behavior. I call it Perverted behavior and if this wasfun for them it was no doubt a prelude for what was tocome later. The thing is I do not believe the girls everwanted to bite him for fun ever. I believe this statementif he made it regarding his "biting fetish" was his wayof admitting biting took place and it is not hard to goa step further that their biting did include "other bodyparts" only not because the girls liked it and it was "fun" It was he himself that liked it and it was fun for him. It was no doubt one of the ways he preyed upon on them and really believed in his sick mind that the girls liked it and he was pleasing them. If indeed he said thesestatements it does not take a genius to figure out thatthe only "fun" derived from this sick behavior was the"fun" he enjoyed and liked as part of his sick abuse ofthese two girls. His statement was very revealing andspoke volumes on how indeed he viewed his predatorynature and truly in his sick mind convinced himself that his victims liked it and thought it was fun.Personally, I would hate to hear anymore of his so calledfun activities that he justified and in his mind he believedthe girls liked. Too distubing to think about. Only thesegirls had to live it and had to think about it alone in silenceand carry it around with them for years taking away their childhood and innocent lives. Thankfully, they have come forward and hopefullyover time they will be able to put all of this behindthem as much as possible. These girls need to get to a placein their lives where they can live and replace theirawful memories with new memories that lie ahead of them. They need support and help to free themselves of what they carried around too long. They will and They can set themselvesfree as they have already taken a very important part offreeing themselves by coming forward to set themselvesfree. Freedom is a powerful word. These girls have and willalways know that they themselves were and are extremelybrave and in the end the freedom of this nightmare will make a huge difference in their lives and they willknow and experience what they deserved for so long-Freedom to live the life that they were so tragicallydenied in their young lives.

ANY parent that encourages their children to bite ANYONE does not deserve the title of PARENT to begin with. When children are toddlers because they don't know any better sometimes a younger sibling (the toddler) tries or suceeds to bite an older sibling. We as parents and of course the older sibling let the child know that biting is a no no and that they hurt their sibling (who is usually screaming and crying) and show them their brother or sister who was on the receiving end bite marks and how the act of biting is not acceptable and feel guilty for making their sibling cry because the bite hurts them and make the child fully aware that the act of biting is wrong. I had a toddler ( age two) who did that to his older sister (age 4) at the time. To say his sister was upset with her baby brother who she adored (until he bit her), is an understatement. We quickly showed her toddler how he hurt his sister and explained that what he did was not nice and he then felt bad, kissed his sister's boo-boo and never bit her or any other child again. I would think that a parent would certainly never let a child bite anyone ever, let alone the parent himself. To say that the children thought it was fun and since they liked it, were able to bite his hands and feet (God knows were else) is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. Does Mr. Gaskill really believe that anyone hearing his story on how he allowed the girls to bite him because they thought it was fun and he obliged because after all they liked it? How stupid does he think other people are and the police no less? If he could make up such a far-fetched story like that (according to the blogger that gave a totally crazy account of the dialouge that was probably twisted in his words by the police to set him up) what else did he say in his defense as a n excuse for ant other inapproriate behavior? How sad that he was allowed to be a fst parent eight times over. If he thinks this or any other ridiculous explanation for his interaction and "play time" with these girls is believable he is sadly mistaken. I wonder if his wife believes his story. She no doubt does as she by all accounts is as sick as he is. DCFS, I hope you are getting the picture here, YOU WERE and ARE RESPONSIBLE for letting these children Fall through the cracks of DCFS into a HELL that NO CHILD should ever have to experience or live through. I have a question for you (DCFS) WHY does the other sick parent, the monster mom still HAVE CHILDREN IN HER CARE? Wake up! The woman has issues and is sick also. The state is even PAYING for the poor children you have placed in her care. Is it any wonder that everone with half a brain know the child-care system is totally broken and DCFS should stand for: Don't Care For Shit about children in state care. I hope people become pro-active and keep the spot light and heat on all of you who fail children and are partners with creeps like this family that RUIN CHILDREN'S LIVES.

Bloggers who feel that those who have written about these disturbing, cruel, and unjust actions and words by Mr. Gaskill and his wife, Mary, say that we are denying him the right of 'innocence until proven guilty' and 'convicting him in the court of public opinion'. Your statements are not logical or truthful. We are remembering a home in which we saw mistreatment of the adopted/foster children in our presence by our very eyes. Now speaking entirely for myself, understand that I am chagrined that I was duped for so many years by Rob and Mary Gaskill before I wised up; and secondly, I carry guilt that I never reported any of these incidences to DCFS, There are no winners here; just many good people who were silent and did not do the right thing.

THIS BITING STORY BY THE PERSON THAT POSTED A MADE UP CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE ACCUSED AND POLICE OFFICERS TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THE ACCUSED REPORTED STATEMENT (OR RUMORED STATEMENT) ABOUT THE BITING FETISH THE ACCUSER SUPPOSEDLY ADMITTED HE HAD IS A SPIN THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE GASKILL COUPLE WANT OUT THERE TO MAKE PEOPLE THINK THE POLICE TWISTED HIS WORDS AROUND TO HAVE A STATEMENT TO PUT OUT THERE TO DISGUST THE PUBLIC AND INFLUENCE THIS CASE AND CAUSE PEOPLE TO MISTRUST THE RF POLICE IS NOT ONY MORONIC BUT INSINUATES THAT WE THE PUBLIC ARE MORONS AS WELL. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ONE PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO THAT READ THE BLOG THAT BELIEVES THIS TAKE ON HOW A STATEMENT LIKE THAT IS MADE UP BY THE POLICE. POLICE THAT TWIST WORDS AROUND SO THEY HAVE A JUICY STATEMENT TO PUT OUT THERE TO GAIN SUPPORT THAT THIS GUY IS PERVERTED. THE PERSON THAT POSTED THAT MADE UP STORY WAS NOT THERE. HOW IS IT THAT HE REALLY BELIEVES AND WANTS OTHERS TO BELIEVE THERE IS ANY TRUTH TO THIS MADE FOR TV STORY ABOUT CROOKED POLICE OUT THERE THAT GO AROUND MAKING WORDS A PERSON IN CUSTODY INCRIMINATE AND GO AROUND TELLING SUCH INFO TO THE MEDIA TO INFLUENCE THE CASE THAT WAS DECIDED BY THE STATE ATTORNEY OFFICE AND THAT THE ACCUSED IS NOW FACING TRIAL FOR SERIOUS CLASS X FELONIES PERPETRATED ON TWO MINORS. THE BLOGGER HAS TO BE IN THE GAKILL CAMP AND UNFORTUNATELY FOR THIS POOR SOUL IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE GASKILL PUPPETS THAT IS BEING USED BY THE COUPLE TO PUT THE POST ON THIS BLOG TO BEGIN WITH. PERHAPS, THE PERSON IS A FAMILY MEMBER OR THE NUT CASE WIFE HERSELF. NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE NO ONE IS BUYING THE BITING STORY THAT SUPPOSEDLY WAS MADE UP BY RF POLICE TO COME UP WITH THE STATEMENT THE BLOGGER CONCLUDED WAS WRITTEN DOWN IN A NOTEBOOK WITH A TOTALLY MADE UP STATEMENT THAT THE OFFICER MADE UP BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THE POLICE DO. HOW STUPID DO YOU (BLOGGER) THINK PEOPLE ARE? THANKFULLY, NOT AS STUPID AS YOU. MAY I MAKE A SUGGESTION? WAKE UP AND GET AWAY FROM THIS FAMILY ASAP. IF NOT, YOU TOO WILL AND ARE ALREADY A VICTIM YOURSELF. AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU WILL HAVE TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR, AND CALL YOURSELF A MORON.

I too feel EXACTLY like the blogger March 27 12:13 PM. Many, Many people like you and my family who distanced ourselves and no longer socialized with them on any level did so because we WITNESSED as well as HEARD abusive treatment that was grossly apparent and UNFAIR to these girls both in how they were treated (second class even worse) and verbally abused by their so called mother that ALWAYS talked abouttheir private issues an struggles and how screwed up they were because of FAS. We too, were duped for awhile and carry a nagging case of "WHAT IFS?" now that we totally knowand BELIEVE the girls are NOT LYING. I personaly have What if I did report them to DCFS? What if I would not have let Mary,s disturbed nature deter me from not only reporting but even identifying myself to DCFS and told them that what I saw and heard was absoluely true and I so WISH now I did.You are right. THere are no winners here; just many, many good people that distaned ourselves altogether to alleviate are own struggle with knowing these girls deserved better but instead walked away and hoped DCFS would find out from the girls themselves, or someone else would report them.I feel guilty as hell now looking back that I and my husband jumped ship on the family totally, but we should have been smarter and reported what we knew so an investigationcould have taken place to get these girls off the shipand placed in a loving home that they deserved and were being denied because we did not do the right thing. I feel sickover what I should have done and I always will. To think what people like you, myself and many others did by not taking this couple to task and confronting them with DCFS for thephonies they were is something we all have to live with it. There is a lesson here: when you see a wrong-do everthing possible to make it right.(even if you are intimidated by a bully the likes of a Mary Gaskill as in my case was a factor as well). You are so right about no winners here. I feellike a loser for not doing the right thing and it is my hope by telling the police about my exps. and the awful parents they were will help the girls back up what I'm sure they have had to describe about how they were treated growing upthat led in my eyes and many others that they sufferedsexual abuse at the hands of a man that like his wifeshould NEVER HAVE BEEN A FOSTER PARENT IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALL, we can do that KNOW A LOT is SHARE what we witnessed first hand and not remain SILENT A SECOND TIME.Letters also on behalf of the girls to the judge, state attorney office will also help the girls as well.First, take the time THIS TIME and TELL are RF police dept what you know and at least then and only thenyou like I can at least now FEEL LIKE YOU DID THE RIGHTTHING FOR THESE GIRLS AT THIS CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN THEIRLIVES THAT WILL HELP THEM HEAL AS WELL AS BE FINALLYHEARD AS THEY NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO BE HEARD LIVING IN THE HELL HOLE WITH THE OH SO PERFECT WHITE PICKETFENCE.

I agree with 12:13…I was once in the inner circle and was often confused by much of what I witnessed. It took awhile to wise up and make the decision to pull away, a tricky dance as there were relationships built between the children, as well as the reality of the family's widespread involvement and influence in the church we attended. Once, I confronted Mary on the treatment of Amber and was met with a threatening and angry irrational response. I, too, regret that I did not report these things to DCFS. I am willing to help the girls in any way that I can and intend to contact the investigating officers this week. As 12:13 stated, there are no winners here, but a very real opportunity to make a difference.

It makes me realize I too am not alone (seem there are many}. Wishing and feeling bad that I too should have reported my observation and first witness accounts that disturbed me enough to stop my association with this couple. I was aware that Mary was someone you did not want to cross and sadly, I always thought DCFS would learn from the girls themselves and I blindly thought that may have well happened as I continually learned that DCFS was placing more SP needs children in the home. However, when I heard they had as many as eight the first thing I said to my husband was"Can you imagine what a nut house that is now". (I was directing my statement about Mary and her inability to parent any SP needs children). I feel all I can do now is support the girls even by writing a letter to the court as well as ask the RFpolice if they need people to back up what the girls everyday life was like and how they were sadly treated. I believe the girls, as this house was not what the couple wanted everyone that knew them to believe it was. This is so tragic on so many levels. People in are community that have expressed their sorrow on this blog (myself included) and many others feel like we let the girls down by doing nothing have broken hearts for what these sweet little girls endured for so many years of their childhood. Thank God they came forward. We need to be there for them as so many have expressed on this blog. We owe that to them now and staying silent with what we know would be like making the same mistake twice.

I AM SO PROUD OF OUR TOWN RF. MANY OF US THAT SEEN A WRONG AND ARE FEELING HORRIBLE THAT WE EACH DID NOT EXPRESS DESPITE OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL INTERACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES TO DCFS; ARE NOW STANDING UP , COMING FORWARD, CONTACTING AUTHORITIES BECAUSE WE WANT TO CHANGE THE WRONG INTO A RIGHT. WE NEED TO HELP THESE GIRLS NOW EVERY WAY WE CAN AND WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO COME TO THEIR AIDE. THESE GIRLS WERE DEPRIVED OF A CHILDHOOD AND SUFFERED MENTAL ABUSE, UNFAIR PUNISHMENT AND TREATMENT AND SUFFERED SEXUAL ABUSE ALL AT THE SAME TIME. IT IS HARD TO COMPREHEND HOW THIS WENT ON UNDETECTED BY DCFS BUT IT DID. THIS FAMILY DUPED MANY OF US FOR A TIME, UNTIL WE WITNESSED CRUEL AND VERBAL ABUSE BY A MOTHER WHO WENT AROUNDACTING LIKE HER FAMILY WAS "THE BRADY BUNCH". WE ALL WISH WE COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND ACT ON THE GIRLS BEHALF. WE HOWEVER, NEED TO HELP THE GIRLS NOW. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE LET THE AUTHORITIES KNOW WHAT OUR INDIVIDUAL NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES WERE WITH THE WAY THIS COUPLE MISTREATED THESE GIRLS FROM THE VERY START. IT WILL SERVE THE GIRLS WELL AS A PATTERN OF ABUSE STARTED EARLY ON WHICH LED TO THE UNSPEAKABLE CRIMES MR. GASKILL IS ACCUSED OF. WE NEED TO ARM THE PROSECUTION WITH EVERY EXAMPLE WE REMEMBER (THER ARE PLENTY) SO THEY CAN KNOW THAT THE HISTORY OF ABUSE THESE GIRLS ENDURED WAS WITNESSED BY MANY OF US AND IT TOTALLY ADDS UP TO A HOME WHERE THESE GIRLS WERE SEXUALLY ABUSED AS THEY WERE VICTIMS OF ABUSE THE MINUTE DCFS PLACED THEM IN THE GASKILL HOUSE OF HORRORS, A FAR CRY FROM " THE PERFECT BRADY BUNCH" THE COUPLE PORTRAYED THEMSELVES TO BE. THESE GIRLS HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST IMPORTANT STEP BY RECLAIMING THE LIFE THEY WERE DENIED. WE HAVE TO HELP THEM SEE THE DAY THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED AND THEY CAN CONTINUE THEIR HEALING KNOWING THEY NO LONGER ARE VICTIMS AND SUFFERING SILENTLY IN A HOME THAT WAS A TOTAL NIGHTMARE. I WISH I COULD GIVE THEM EACH A HUG AND TELL THEM HOW PROUD I AM FOR FINALLY FINDING THEIR VOICE AND SEEKING JUSTICE THAT WAS DENIED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN AND KNOW THAT THEY HAVE MANY ,MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT ARE BEHIND THEM 100 PERCENT.

To the blogger that said that with every word a blogger or bloggers have said( so CLEVER I might add)"that with ever wordyou add to your foolishness" "Me thinks the truth is already out….." WHAT FOOLISHNESS? If you read the blogs, the majority have written and even expresse that they witnessed deporable parenting of the girls and that many want to be there for the girls to help if needed to reiterate and validate whatthe girls described about their entire life with the couple.Do you really think they did not have an opportunity toTELL THEIR WHOLE STOTY AS WELL AS THE SEXUAL ABUSE THATON TOP OF A HORRIBLE CHILDHOOD THEY ALSO ENDURED?

Most if not ALL the PEOPLE I KNOW BELIEVE THE GIRLS ARE NOT LYING AND YES, WE FEEL THE TRUTH IS OUT. HOWEVER, YOUR CRYPTIC REMARK CAN BE CONSTRUED AS SOMEONE THAT PERHAPS BELIEVES THE FACT THAT THE MONSTER DAD, MR. MARY GASKILL AS HE REFERRED TO HIMSELF ON MANY OCCASIONS, IS OUT ON HOUSE ARREST UNTIL TRIAL. IF YOU THINK THE FACT THAT HE IS NOT IN JAIL RIGHT NOW IS AN INDICATION THAT HE IS NOT GUILTY YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN. THE OPPOSITE HOLDS TRUE AS WELL. IF YOU THINK WE (MANY WHO KNOW AND KNEW THE GASKILL WELL) THINK WE SHOULD BE THERE FOR THE GIRLS OR WANT TO BE THERE FOR THE GIRLS ARE FOOLISH AS THE TRUTH IS OUT ON HIS GUILT YOU STILL ARE SADLY MISTAKEN. YES, I WILL SAY ONCE AGAIN THAT OBVIOUSLY WE BELIEVE HE GUILTY BECAUSE THE LIFE THESE GIRLS LIVED POINTS TO A HOME THAT SEXUAL ABUSE WAS NO DOUBT ADDED TO THE GIRLS MISERY. WITH ALL THAT SAID, "ME THINKS YOU ARE BOTH CONDESENDING AS WELL AS SOMEONE WHO THINKS THE BLOGGERS ARE REPORTING WHAT THEY KNOW AND SUPPORTING THE GIRLS AS WE DON'T BELIEVE THE COURT OF LAW WILL AND OR WE HAVE DOUBTS THAT MR. MARY GASKILL WILL BE FOUND GUILTY AT THE END OF HIS TRIAL."

YOUR REMARK CAN BE TAKEN TWO WAYS AS DEMENSTRATED BY WHAT I STATED ABOVE. SINCE YOU ARE ALL KNOWING AND BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS OUT AND EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO MAKE SURE THE GIRLS COME FIRST AND NOT THE ACCUSED ARE FOOLISH AND WE ARE WASTING ARE TIME BECAUSE AS YOU SAY THE TRUTH IS OUT…… YOU ARE A POMPOUS —(FILL IN THE BLANKS) AS WELL AS SOMEONE THAT IMPLIES THAT EVERYONE THAT ALREADY FEELS THERE IS GUILT HERE BECAUSE THEY HAVE EACH EXP THIS ABUSE PATTERN UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AND ARE WANTING TO BE THERE FOR THE GIRLS WHO WE BELIEVE ARE NOT LYING ARE FOOLISH BECAUSE THE "TRUTH IS OUT" "ME THINKS A TRUTH IS OUT BESIDES THE OBVIOUS CONSENSES THAT WAS MENTIONED ABOVE, AND THAT TRUTH IS IN REGARDS TO YOU IS IF ALL YOU HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE IS ONE STUPID SENTENCE THAT YOU THINK IS SO PROFOUND AS WELL AS SMUG ONE CAN ONLY CONCLUDE YOU ARE ONE OF THE GASKILL CLAN OR A DIE HARD GROUPIE THAT BELIEVES WE ARE NOT ENLIGHTENED TO SEE CLEARLY THAT HE IS INNOCENT AND THERE IS NO OTHER TRUTH" "ME THINKS YOU ARE A MORON"

OK–TIME TO STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING NOW THAT WE DIDN'T DO OVER VARYNG TIMES IN YEARS PAST. I'm talking to all of you and me who feel the GUILT–because we witnessed abuse in the Gaskill home and did nothing but sever our connections with the family. I want to engage-but need some advice. Write letters to who? RF Police?, DCFS?, Judge?, Prosecuting Attorneys?, Public Guardians?

Blogger from March 28, 5:39 am : I am afraid that you did not realize that I was speaking on behalf of the girls. My comment was directed toward the blogger from March 26, 10:32 am who offered up the insane imaginary dialog between the police and Rob Gaskill, supposedly coercing his confession of having a biting fetish. Every word added in defense of this man's actions is indeed, utter foolishness. That same blogger said that we will all have to wait until the trial for the truth to come out. My point is that the truth is ALREADY, thanks to his own confession and the overwhelming support that is evidenced on this blog. I'm sorry that I did not make myself more clear in identifying my position.

Blogger March 28, 11:47am : Thank you for opening up this call to action. I want to do all that I can and know of a few others who want to be involved as well. We are all in need of direction for next steps.

TO Mar.28 11:47 I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR! I as well as my family (my children even that were friend at one time of two of the bio girls) SEVERED ALL CONTACT with this family. I like you and many of us, feel and have felt GUILT IN the PAST AS WELL AS NOW. WE can't change what we should have done in the past (REPORTING TO DCFS) but WE CAN DO SOMETHING NOW. Start with RF police. Call non-emergency # and ask for DET. GRILL, or DET. DEYOUNG and if they are you can leave a voice mail and they will call you back. You can call Dept. chief officer Craig Rutz and get him directly, or leave him a message and he too will call you back. I talked to Det. Grill as well as Dept. chf Officer Rutz and both listened and thanked me for the info as it does show how the dysfuntional home can and does LEAD TO SEX ABUSE TO MINORS IN FST CARE sadly too often and the children that are in a home with other patterns of abuse are even at higher risk to be sexually abused and live in fear and silence as the predetor has control over them and uses their vulnerability to manipulate them anyway they can to keep the abuse secret. I tried DCFS (calling) they NEVER RETURN CALLS. I have written a letter to the STATE ATTORNEY OFFICE PROSECUTORS IN THE CRIMINAL COURT IN MAYBROOK which I am just now getting ready to send out. I have not yet written to JUDGE LOVE. SOMEONE ON this blog said they were making copies of what this blog reveals and is sending it or has sent the copies to JUDGE LOVE. I will call the # you listed above and see if they can EXPLAIN WHY THERE ARE STILL CHILDREN IN MARY GASKILLS CARE. I am glad you are getting involved like myself and many others who have or are active in sharing their exps. with this family as it proves the history and pattern of abuse started long ago and sadly resulted in the worse possible act that these girls endured for years along with all the other verbal, mental and emotional abuse which made their young lives a living hell that I can not even believe they were carrying around the hell they were living. They were both sweet girls. they always were polite and enjoyed any attention from others that came there way as it was so sorely lacking in their home life. I hope this HELPS you to get on this IMMEDIATELY and I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU THAT THIS BLOG should be more than a blog, and I REALLY SEE FROM READING THE ENTRIES THAT MANY MANY PEOPLE ARE ENGAGEDV AND NOT SITTING ON THEIR THUMBS AND THE ACTION WE ARE TAKING INDIVIDUALLY AS WELL AS COLLECTIVELY WILL ONLY HELP THE GIRLS AND THEY WILL KNOW THEY HAVE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THEM AND ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT THEM ANYWAY THEY (WE) CAN!! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR WANTING TO DO YOUR PART. COLLECTIVELY, THE HELL THESE GIRLS LIVED THEIR ENTIRE LIVES WILL BE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THE COURT WILL TAKE AS PART OF THE PATTERN OF ABUSE THAT ALSO RESULTED IN BOTH THESE GIRLS LIVING WITH SEXUAL ABUSE FOR AT LEAST HALF THEIR LIVES.

I totally applaud everyone on this blog that have inf. to share that they winessed first hand on the various forms of abuse these girls suffered overtly and privately as both types of abuse have a cumalitive affect on children and alters their self worth, mental and emotional being that destroys self cofidence,their own persona and cause inferiority issues that psychologically they feel worthless. They begin to really believe that the abusers are right and that nobody in their family loves them as they feel unlovable and are so broken down that they are vulnerable to beig sexually abused and not tell ANYONE as they have been damaged so much that they believe whatever the abuser tells them. They are easily under the control and manipulation that they endure the abuse silently, and are helpless to say or do anything to help themselves. It is not unusual to come forward as young adults when they are no longer paraylized by the fear and hopelessness they felt during the years in their young life that they were captive and bound by feeling they had no way out and no where to go. I can tell you this as I am an adult that suffered sexual abuse as a child and when I grew into a youg adult and was no longer paralyzed by all my fears I was able to come to terms with that I NEEDED to speak and have my voice heard and it did and does take a lot of strength to realize that you and you alone need to confront the abuser and finally be the one in control. I can tell you that was my first step in healing and had I not confronted my abuser I do not know what or where I would be in my life today. Healing begins immediately when you feel you are in control, and continues step by step until you realize none of it was ever your fault and you start to look at life and everything you endured as finally over. You see yourself as a boxer in a ring that finally got up after the count and took the other boxer out and feel victorious in ever sense of the word. The steps toward healing do come abd you start to feel for the first time in your life that you are strong and can take on any adversity with a self love an awareness you were deprived and robbed of by the suffering you endured by a coward that preys on children. The abuser is nothing but a coward. You realize his only strength was derived by overpowering his victim who is helpless and vulnerable.To this day I realize I am far stronger than he ever was or could be. These girls are strong and brave. They like me will see the abuser for the coward he is. They have begun the first and most terrifying first step in healing. They will soon see themselves as the strong young women they are. THe coward will always be a coward. They are strong but will continue to heal and see themselves become stronger than ever and they will find that they can and will become crusaders for others who have gone through the same hell. Like me they will be able to see we are the strong ones that become stronger; while their abuser is and always will be a coward. Everyone that has been active and supporting the girls your efforts will go along way in their own healing as they will know that they are cared about and have people that not only believe them but will stand up to the horrible things that have been an will continue to be said about them by the abusers family and people that never even knew them.

To the blooger that shared your personal story, your exp and how you were able to become stronger after what you endured once you exposed the abuser in your own life, and were able to realize that nothing you did caused the abuser to abuse you. You are so right about a child abuser being a total coward and his only strength (he feels) is the power, and control over his child victim by having his sick fantasies and sexual excitement satisfied and kept secret by what must be terrifying and extremely detrimental to a childs' psychological well-being as they like you suffer in silence and actually are so brain washed and manipulated that the abuser also feeds on the power and control he has over his victims You shared that once the abuser in your case was exposed you began healing and realized your abuser was a coward and would always be a coward. You pointed out that you realized you were strong and that you became stronger and knew that nothing you did caused the suffering you were made to endure. This was very insightful as we all hope thes girls like you will and are already seeing their abbuser as a big coward and small in comparison to themselves; as they are strong to face not only thier abuser, but a woman (his wife) who has and will continue to drag them in the mud and make people think that they are mentally disturbed, unstable and total liars. It is my hope and I'm sure others who have read your exp in becoming even stronger and living your life knowing that by exposing the abuse you suffered; you finally had control of your life that you were so horribly denied as a child that these teo girls never had control even with other forms of abuse that many of witnessed and were so sickened that we could not stand being around this couple and alot of us thought about reporting them to DCFS but didn't. We are now doing what we can for these girls and are actively trying to help them by telling what we saw and heard (abuse), to authotities as we want the judge and court to know this family is a far cry from what they portrayed themselves to be and are still portraying themselves as a perfect family that is being falsely accused by two worth-less, disturbed liars. The fact that so mant people who know better and believe these girls hopefully will help them take comfort that people care about them and value them and want to see them recieve justice that they were sadly never given in their young lives. Thank you for sharing. Your story will only make more people become pro-active for these girls and share info that they exp by speaking or writing letters on behalf of these two brave girls.

To blogger from March 29, 12:16 am, thank you for sharing such encouragement and wisdom, I am sure that it was hard won from your experience…we can all keep your words in mind as we move forward in supporting the girls in various ways in the days ahead..those who have helpful information to share with investigators and are willing to write letters, those who will be able to attend the trial dates, those who would like to encourage them by reaching out personally, and all of us as we stand in their defense when others speak of them disparagingly.

There's no confession. A cops word but no audio or written confession. They were in the foster care system in this state for years and there's no way after years of living in that house that they wouldn't have caught something? I'd like to see what people say on here if this man is found innocent. I'm not saying he is but there seems like there is something up here. A supposed confession. No one else coming forward. No signs of anything in the past I assume since nothings been reported. And no look into the other side. Hmmm….plus in the one article it says the one girl said nothing happened. Maybe I'm just too jaded from people in the world taking advantage of other people but before I'm wrong I'd like to see more looking into the other side. Looks like the Cops are corrupt in the Trayvon case too.

Mar.29 10:08 Are you an insider and privavy to what happened or did not happen with the qustioning and answering session with the accused and RF police detectives? You are very naieve about how these girls were in an enviorment that nothing like sex abuse could of happened. Many Gaskill insiders, that were friends with the family for extended periods of time, some for several years have witnessed verbal abuse, unfair treatment and disrespect of these girls firsthand. The girls were never treated fairly and those that witnessed it over and over became so disgusted that they cut ties with this family and severed even their own children socializing with the bio girls as well. If you study or are even aware (which I doubt) the treatment of these girls (at times outwardly distained) by this perfect couple; the probability that sexual abuse was high as a pattern of abuse that no doubt was WORSE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

It really is not hard to see that such a home where abuse is taking place as an on going part of their life in public and NO DOUBT IN PRIVATE, the girls were an easy mark as to become sexually abused by the accused as he preyed upon their brokeness and acute vulnerability. You mention no one else has come forward. You obviously do not know everything you think you know about this family. The girls were with them most of their lives. The reason no one else is coming forward is they took in many many babies and toddlers for short periods of time, which is the reason it was reported they fostered as many as 75 children in the 20 plus years they were in the "BUSINESS OF FOSTER CARE".

March29 10:08 You have no idea what the police have or do not have on the case. The accused is saying he did not confess nor sign a written confession or anything else. However, the case obviusly does not hinge on a confession (most cases the accused insists they are not guilty,especially abuse against minors of this nature). The reason is obvious, they can as already has been done claim that the minors are total liars with all kinds of serious issues including being mentally unstable, and in this case saying they are so screwed up due to FAS. Also, you are sadly mistaken that just because they were in this home for years this type of abuse could not possibly happen. The years the girls were in the home they were verbally abused, treated unfairly and there was a definite distinction in the way they were treated compared to the bio kids. Actually, one can really compare their life to the clasasic disney story: CINDERELLA. People (many in number) witnessed the abuse and mistreatment of the girls and totally were disgusted as it was not isolated incidents. It was not the parenting these girls should have had and they had ver unhappy lives living in this home that was NEVER really a hometo them in any sense of the word. That is why the people that were friends of this family broke ties with them as it was obvious and uncomfortable to witness the way these girls were treated and did not want to be around to see these girls have a life with rules, treatment and punishment that their bio kids NEVER EVER HAD TO ENDURE. I venture you know very little about these girls lives as you really do not understand that the abuse that was listed above, made them especiaaly vulnerable to sexual abuse. The court has EVIDENCE and not just wild accusations otherwise Mr. GAskill would not be in the serious trouble he is in facing two counts of class X felonies and standing trial. Think about it, if they had only wild accusations, he would have never been arrested in the first place.

I have no idea why nothing was recorded or signed. I think we all realize though that there was some pretty substantial evidence that enabled the police to arrest him. It is so very hard to believe and accept but I believe he did confess. Also, the person who said "nothing happened" was not one of the two girls accusing Rob. It was a different person. I still don't understand how anyone, let alone DCFS could ever think that amount of children with special needs were okay in that house. How could they have their needs met? It is just so bizarre when I think of it!

Apparently at least one, that I know for sure, of the bio children would also like to bite when playing with friends. The child would be asked to stop by the friends as the bites were both very painful and considered strange by the kids involved.

It really does not matter if he confessed or not. Many criminals do not confess (even with overwhelming evidence). Also, there must be more than enough as if it were simply accusations with nothing to confirm with the girls accusations, there would not be a case going to trial. The police stated they did investigate for weeks prior to the arrest. It is not like he was arrested that day because the girls just made the accusations and they jumped in a car to arrest him. Many people do not believe or do not want to believe there was a confession. The only people that really know are the defendant and the detectives. I tend to believe that their was an admission of guilt, and perhaps he regretted it, and now is telling everyone he did not and spreading lies that are so awful about the girls to take the spotlight off himself and turn this case into two psychos that are the criminals as they are total liars and mentally ill as well. The girl that the paper quoted that said nothing happened is about 10 years old, and she was removed from the home and she is not one of the children that were returned to Mary Gaskill. Hopefully, nothing did happen to her but she is young just like the two girls were and possibly still in the mind set that she needs to keep it a secret. I hope that is not the case but we really do not know her psychiological state or evaluations. Perhaps she was removed in the nick of time and could have been abused in the future. DCFS has a lot to explain here. 8 children with SP. needs in one home is irresponsible and ludicrious. I do not know why DCFS returned some of the children that are back in the home now. I hope the girls get good legal advice and sue the state if possible for all that they have gone through. I'm sure they can file a civil law suit against the family. I feel horrible about not acting on what I saw and heard and I knew the girls were not treated right in that home. I could have called DCFS repeatedly and should have. I can only say in my defense, at that time period I associated with them, I thought the girls would tell case-workers what they were going through. I thought they would say something like "My mom is mean, she does not talk nice to me and is not nice to my little sister." I thought that was what case workers were for. I distanced myself from this family (even affecting one of my own children who was friends with one of the bio girls). Also, I must admitt, that Mary has a stong personality and I did not want to cross her in anyway as I was intimidated by her as well. I hope these girls receive the justice they deserve as they suffered in that home on many levels, the worse of course the abuse that their so called fst dad is standing trial for. This should have NEVER happened. I hope DCFS is HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY THE COURT AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. I for one, am not going to slip quietly in the night….this time around.

I could not agree more with the"ACCOUNTABILITY" that DCFS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO TASK over this HUGE BLUNDER(to put it mildly) on FAILING THESE GIRLS and also placing 8 Sp Needs childrenin the home as well. How they can justify the number placed alone in this home is beyond the pale. THey could not even pick up that this familyor any family COULD NOT GIVE EACH OF THE CHILDREN THE ATTENTION THEY NEEDED AND HOURS OF ONE-ON ONE TIME that children with SP. Needs require. To think they jammed these children in this house even while at least three of the bio-children lived there until recently. I think one bio-college girl still lives in the home. Obviously, she has her own life as she should, and is not around to even give a helping hand. I would like to know how Mary Gaskill was seen many times in restaurants and other social appearances actually was able to find the time and energy to party at a fav. restaurant of hers, as well as drinking margaritas and go home and be useful to these children even the next day after. When she was seen at night Rob was not with her, so I guess he was home minding the store. How DCFS NEVER HEARD ANY REPORTS ABOUT THIS FAMILY THAT NOT WERE "GLOWING REVIEWS" is BEYOND COMPREHENSION. This home was NEVER a good choice as it was apparent early on with the girls, they viewed thir role as care-takers at BEST. It was obvious that they were all about their bio kids and the girls were just extra inconvient baggage that they carried around and HAD TO PUT up WITH in order to get paid by the state and for no other reason. They of course passed themselves off (or tried to) as FST. parents that were dedicated to the girls and that they ABSOLUTELY LOVED TAKING ON THE EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY because they had SO MUCH LOVE TO SHARE> THat was so far from the truth, many saw through their real motivation, which was and always about MONEY. SAD BUT TRUE. Mary loved spending money period. Frivioulosly, I might add. She was not working and was not happy with the income she had to live on based on her husband's salary. Fst. Parenting became a business to her from the very begining and continued even now while this terrible case has come to light as DCFS has returned some children to her care in the home. Does ANYONE KNOW HOW DCFS CAN STILL BELIEVE THIS IS THE BEST POSSIBLE HOME FOR ANY CHILD??????? KEEP IN MIND THE CHILDREN HAVE SERIOUS DISABILITIES as well as SP Needs. Mary is not on trial like her husband. However, she is not the DEDICATED fst. mother she has and still EXPECTS EVERYONE TO BELIEVE. WE can only hope that DCFS RECEIVES SUCH AN OUTCRY ON HOW THEY FAILED MISERABLY WITH THE GIRLS AS WELL AS EVER LETTING THEM BECOME FST PARENTS to BEGIN WITH. People need to get involved and make sure the state attorney office gets THE WHOLE PICTURE OF THISN MONEY HUNGRY COUPLE, AND THAT IT REALLY HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT THE CHILDREN WHICH were really INCONVIENT BORDERS IN THE HOME, FOR ONE REASON aND ONE REASON ALONE: THE PAYCHECK IN THE MAIL AND NOTHING MORE.DCFS NEEDS TO HEAR THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR: YOU ARE AT FAULT TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, WHICH LED TO THIS ABUSE TO HAPPEN FOR YEARS AND NOW THE WORSE ABUSE IMAGINABLE SEEMS MORE THAN LIKELY HAPPENED TO TWO GIRLS WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THAT NUT HOUSE TO BEGIN WITH!

To answer Mar.30th 6:30PM-To answer your question about the little sister of Misty and Amber, The little sister (about 8-10 yrs. of age) was living with the family as a fst child for most of her life. The Gaskills had been TRYING to adopt her as well, but there were complications (unknown) that prevented that from happening. She is the little girl that was taken and not placed back into the home like other children were(sadly) recently were returned. She also was the little girl when questined that the paper quoted her as saying nothing happened. (Hopefully and Thankfully nothing did happen). However, she could have easily been at risk in the near future if she continued to stay in the home. Sidenote: At the church where I met the Gaskills several years ago, (they no longer attend the church as Mary was employed and was asked to leave the job due to questional ethics behavior where finances of the church were involved) it was noticibable she favored and treated the girls sister better than many of us witnessed Misty and Amber. The reason being this little girl (mary told several people) was not born with FAS as the mother of the girls did not do alchol and or drugs during the pregancy. DCFS at least did the right thing by this little girl, as I'm sure the court would have intervened and made sure the GAskills NEVER EVEN SEE HER AGAIN. My hope as well as others is that perhaps she is living with the girls and a relative.Misty and Amber loved their little sister (it was so apparent watching them dote on her), so I hope all three girls will live happily the rest of their lives away from this very troubled couple. This whole Gaskill story is really like a very sad made for tv movie about the nightmare these girls lived and how they finally were able to confront their abuse seeking the justice they were denied and the justice they clearly deserve. However, the other fst. and or adopted kids that were adoplted while they were a foster child deserve justice and be taken out of Mary Gaskills' care as well. She may not be standing trial like her husband, but she certainly was an evil force in these chidrens' lives and contributed to the abusive enviornment that made these girls become higher risk for the sex abuse as she herself made these girls feel inferior their whole life and treated them that way as well. It is no wonder the accused thought they were easy prey. You really could not write this stuff or make it up as the whole story is so unbelievable as DCFS really were failures in the care and well-being of these girls. them

The child that did bite (we had that happen as well at our house) is the yougest bio-child. This child was having difficulties having two little girls coming into her life knocking her off the pecking order of being the baby. The mom knew that and this child was spoiled even more and the girls were treated worse because of it. Misty and this bio child were the same age as well. The mom actuaaly put Misty a year behind in school which really was not called .The motive was obvious to people that knew her as she would DO ANYTHING that she felt would benefit her bio-child, at the EXPENSE of the fst. girls in her care; in this case Mistys. If there is justice for this woman beside her husband is that she should not have one single kid in her care now or ever. DCFS will be hearing that alot if they have not heard from irate and appauled people in the communitys' reaction. This sad story went on to long and IT NEEDS TO END NOW.

I have read this blog since the start. I know who this family is as they were active at the church I attend in Oak Park, Calvery but I did not personally know them. I live in Oak Park and people that knew them from church and live in Oak Park are like myself stunned, while others are saying they knew there was something not right about this family. Those that became friends with them, are saying the same things I have been reading on this blog. It really has been an eye-opener. I don't think this many people would be speaking about their experiences with this couple if there was not a true profile of what they truly witnessed; and their overwhelming desire to support the girls. I hope the court and judge are made well aware of what all these people that knew them well have had to say. I must agree that DCFS needs to be held accountable. I also hope that these girls have justice served on their behalf.Since I really do not know them; but outraged that DCFS placed so many children in this home I am going to do my part of findingout how I can get their attention and let them know as a tax payerin the state I am disgusted these people received tax dollars whichit seems was the reason they took in so many children to begin with.I will continue reading this blog and I hope the many people that said they weregoing to let authorities know about the outward abuse they witnessedget their information across as I can see how it will help this case andsupport these two brave young ladies.If I can I am going to try and be there in court for the girls. It seemsthey are greatly out numbered in court and they really do not haveanyone but the state supporting and standing up for them.

Why does DCFS still have children in this home even now? Does anyone know how many? Also, are the children school age or younger? If there are some younger ones, does Mrs. Gaskill stay home and take care of them? I would think with everything going on in her life with the husband standing trial, she would be too distracted and obviously stressed out to be an good to any of these children. Would not the children be better off in a home that is calm, and put into other homes so they could receive the attention and care they deserve? It seems DCFS does not care that this home was and no doubt even now dysfunctional.

My huband and I were wondering if wife is the same age as her huband which is reported he was 63 yrs. old. The paper did not mention how old the wife is. We know it takes a lot of energy to babysit our precious grandchildren(we love every minute) but we are the same age as Mr. Gaskill and I can tell you when they go home we are exhausted as they are normal energetic children. We both remarked that there we be no way could have eight needy children everday as we would be beyond exhausted not just physically but mentally as well. They could not possibly care for all these children without a lot of extra help. Did they have hired care-givers to help? If they did would not these care-givers have alot of information to share with what the home life was like. I would think if they are both our age, they would want to have fun doing bthings they both enjoy and taking life a little easier. We are enjoying our retirement and we both can not phanthom having the responsibility these people took on as there would be absolutely no time for ourselves and to enjoy life. DCFS should have placed these children in a home with no more than one or two children. My daughter and her husband are as busy as ever and their children are not sp needs and thank- God healthy as well. We hope the girls in the case have justice served as everthing we have read is so sad and unbelievable and it is sad they fell through the cracks.

Mary is supposedly about 53 years old (but she probably lies about that age, too).I never knew her to have hired help. Kids took care of kids while she worked a full time job and, for a time, supposedly was HOMESCHOOLING some of them!!!

Actually, I don't know that all these kids were genuinely special needs. I don't believe that Missy was — she was a smart little girl. I have wondered whether Mary manipulated doctors to get those diagnoses so that she could get more of our money?

To the person who asked if the couple are both in their sixties, I believe the wife is in her late fifties or so. I agree about the energy level it would take to keep the energy level needed to take care of all these children. I think they must have had hired help as it would be humanely impossible to make sure these needy childrens' needs were met. I wonder if the care-givers have told the authorities what they observed as well. I too, do not understand how that many children were placed in that home by DCFS. It is no wonder that this forum exsists as after reading about how so many children suffer in fst. care; the child protective services FAIL miserably and are the CAUSE of many sad, horrible cases of all kinds including death. I knew the system failed children but this forum has really educated me that many fst children suffer because of the deficiencies of CPS. I know there are wonderful fst parents out there, and truly are loving parents that value and treat their fst children as their own, and many end up adopting these children and the children are loved and treasured and are in their "forever home" and would not want any other parents in the world because they are so loved and their wonderful parents would move heaven and earth for them and then some. It is a sad fact that CPS does not vet the family and have very high standards that have to be met for placing any child in a home, let alone a SP needs child. My brother and his wife became adoptive parents five years ago and I can tellyou the home-study and interviews were extremely intense, and the agency took their time to make sure my brother and sister in-law qualified in every way possible before they were even in a waiting period for their daughter. The wait was about two and a half years but so worth it. They are now the family they dreamed og being and are beyond the moon over my beautiful niece that has been so wanted and waited for by not only them but both families and she is the sunshine of all our lives and boy does she know she is our little princess!

I have been reading about the Sandusky case on this forum, there are mant uncanny overlaps that are very similiar to this case. The two cases both have involvement with child protection or organizations that are involved with the care of children as well as the wives being very similar in character. It appears the Gsaskill and Sandusky family have alot in common…sadly.

Thanks for the info about their little sister. I have the feeling that many of us have had first hand knowledge of situations that made the Gaskill home less than a good place for children to be fostered. For example, when Missy made the travelling soccer team and the Gaskill's bio-child, who was the same age, did not; Missy was not allowed to join the team. This may sound like nothing given the situation now, but in life's scheme, it wasn't. It was sad, hurtful and unjust.

Now a question? Will there come a time in court when Missy and Amber should/could be supported by those of us who would like to be a visible presence?

Anonymous April 3, I do wonder if a civil suit will be brought against the Gaskills and/or DCFS to cover the costs of any therapies that they may need.You pose an interesting question of whether the state would sue a foster parent to get money that they paid out back. I have no idea if that is possible.My guess is no. I do like the idea though as the taxpayers of Illinois have certainly paid enough to the Gaskills.

To April 2nd 6:24PM I think it would be great if yiu can even share that story about Miisy making the travel team and the youngest bio-child did not; and that once AGAIN ANOTHER EXAMPLE how UNFAIR and CRUEL Mary was to Missy by NOT CELEBRATING WITH HER AND letting her ENJOY The EXPERIENCE SHE EARNED AND DESERVED by NOT ALLOWING HER TO JOIN THE TEAM because her VERY SPOILED AND BRATTY yougest bio-child did not qualify. THIS IS ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW POORLY MISSSY WAS TREATED AND LIKE YOU SAID HURTFUL AND TOTALLY UNJUST. ALSO IT SHOWS HOW IN THE HOME BEHIND CLOSED DOORS MIISY AND AMBER SUFFERED SO MUCH MORE INJUSTICE AND CRUELTREATMENT THAT THE GIRLS OR ANY CHILD EVER SHOULD HAVETO ENDURE AND LIVE THROUGH. THIS WAS A VERY CRUEL UNHAPPYHOME FOR THRSE GIRLS IN CONTRAST TO THE BEAUTIFUL LIFESHE MADE SURE HER PRECIOUS BIO_GIRLS DESERVED>

LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO NOT SHARE THIS INFO WITH RF POLICEOR DETECTIVES ON THIS CASE> THIS EXAMPLE IS NOT A NOTHING,IT IS AN IMPORTANT EXAMPLE (THERE ARE MANY) HOW THESEGIRLS WERE MENTALLY ABUSED AS WELL AS EMOTINALLY ANDLIVING IN THAT HORRIBLE HOME THEY HAD NO CHANCE OFDEVELOPING SELF-ESTEEM OR CONFIDENCE WHICH LIKE THE SEXABUSE THEY WILL HAVE TO OVERCOME THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.

I KNOW THES GIRLS BUT DID NOT KNOW THE SOCCER EXAMPLE,AND I CRIED WHEN I READ IT. MISSY SO DESERVED TO BE INTHE SPOTLIGHT FOR SOMETHING SHE ACCOMPLISHED AND FEEL PROUDOF HERSELF BUT WAS DENIED BY THE DESPICABLE CHARACTERTHE LIKES OF MARY GASKILL WHO WANTED EVERONE TO BELIEVESHE WAS SUCH A GOOD HEARTED MOM AND THAT SHE TOOK GOOD CARE OF THESE GIRLS. I WANT TO PUKE RIGHT NOW!

Good question about if Missy and Amber will be in courtand I believe the RF detectives if will call close to trialmay be able to answer that. I do think everyone that wantsto support the girls, DO EVERTHING POSSIBLE INCLUDINGSITTING ON THE PROSECUTION SIDE BECAUSE ALL THEY HAVE OURTHOSE OF US (whether they knew the Gaskills or not) toHOLD THEM UP AND SUPPORT THEM AND GIVE THEM THE CONFIDENCETHEY WERE GRIEVEOUSLY DENIED IN THEIR YOUNG LIVES.

I think the Gaskills were spend-thrifts and I doubt they have all that money that they DID NOT DESERVE as Mary always indulged herself and bio-kids as Mary wanted and always has wanted to KEEP UP WITH THE JONES"S AND EVEN SURPASS THE JONE'S SHE VIEWED AS HAVING MORE THAN HERSELF AND HER BIO-GIRLS. THE BEST WE CAN HOPE FOR IS A CIVIL SUIT FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND EVERY CRUEL MENTAL SUFFERING THEY ENDURED: BY SUING THEM OURIGHT WHICH WOULD INLUDE ASSESTS THE DO HAVE AS WELL AS THE SALE OF THEIR HAPPY HOME. HOPE THE GIRLS HAVE A PRO-BONO LAWYER THAT CAN HELP THEM AS THEY DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY I'M SURE TO PAY FOR ONE. Anyone out there that is or knows a lawyer willing to help these girls file a law-suit PRO-BONO should ask the RF dets. if the girls have one or would welcome one after the trial is over.

Many on this blog are wondering the same things about law suits on this blog. I'm not sure the state can file a suit against the Gaskills. It seems to me the state can be sued for never picking up (what was so apparent and obvious to so many) on how they FAILED THESE GIRLS MISERABLY AND DID THE WRST JOB POSSIBLE ON STAYING ON TOP OF THE GIRl's LIVES including questioning the social circles the Gaskills had or have in their lifes to attest to how they treated the girls wiyhout the state looking over the shoulder when the state did their very few checks on these girls. The Gaskills would never have given names, however, when the girls were older they themselves could have provided names easily as they knew the Gaskill pals as well as the Gaskill pals children.

I have just read about Misty not being able to join the traveling team as the bio-daughter (exactly the same age) did not make the tr.aveling soccer team. How many horrible examples of cruel mental and emotional abuse these girls endured behind closed doors? Is it any wonder that sexual abuse did take place in this kooky home? Mary Gaskill can go around 24hrs. a day and try to spin how her dear sweet husband is being accused by two liars who ade deranged, as well as stupid due to FAS. Mary needs a reality check. Thank yourself Mary for diminishing these girls any way you possibly could. You took away the way they viewed themseves in the world. Telling children they are stupid and idiots like your husband did to Amber several times in the presence of others proves the diminishment of these girls was acceptable to your husband and appauling at the same time.These girls could not have self esteem on every level as they were torn down by you, your husband and no doubt the bio-girl the same age as you taught her that she was little miss wonderful, and could do no wrong; you prompoted a unhealthy relationship between them from the very begining. Many people are aware and remember you holding Misty back a grade level. Your excuse was she was behind and it would help her. The real reason was because you could not handle them being in the same grade as God forbid Misty would out shine her youngest bio-daghter in any way shape or form. I have a child that was a classmate of Misty,s and I was an involved parent in and out of the class room and I can tell you that Misty was so sweet and very bright. I saw nothing that indicated that she needed help in any way. It is a shame she was held back as she no doubt was bright enough to excell in the grade level that she SHOULD have been but was denied by Mary Gaskill. I wonder why DCFS allowed her to make call. Where they afraid of her to the point of letting her diminish what Misty was capable of without the school district testing her first? Mary should be confronted with the abuse she dished out on these innocent girls durin their whole life as these two had no way ou and were vitrual prisoners with a warden instead of a mom that care and truly loved them.I hope the prosecution calls her to the stand and watch her perger herself under oath. I would even pay to se that with the money going to these girls. I plan on asking the Rf police if they will give the girls some cash in a card with words of encouragement enough for them to go shopping and treat themselves to something they really like or want as their warden certainly denied them that experience as well as the bio-girls had everything their heart desired.

Great idea about law suit. I believe it is and will be warranted after this trial is over. I would like to know how the girls can sue the state for a settlement for failing them their whole life. No amount of money will take their pain away, but they do totally deserve restitution for ending up in the worse home possible.

Apr. 3 7:08 There is NO AMOUNTOF MONEY that can ever take the pain they endured in the home the state placed them with. However, since the state was RESPONSIBLE for their well being and care, I believe the girls will get a settlement from the state as these girls will want no doubt restitution as they not only deserve it but will likely need and or want professional care to talk about their lives and to help them heal from the sex abuse and all the other abuse on every level,they endured in the home.I also think for sure they can file a civil law-suit against the Gaskills and no doubt are aware of that, or will be aware of that fact at the end of this trial. The person that said they are going to give the cash with a card of encouragement and support, I think that is a great idea. These girls no doubt can use the money, and I am going to send a Jewel Food Gift card as I am sure they can use a helping hand in paying for groceries as well. Maybe, those of you that know the girls (even if you did not) can send a cash donation and a note of support to the girls as I don't believe they are having an easy time financialy. Ironically, the so called fst. parents exploited these girls as well as ruin their lives; making money from the state as these girls were just meal tickets to this greedy couple for their entire lives.

Has anyone on this blog been able to contact and speak with anyone at DCFS? I tried calling and they do not return calls. Would it help to send letters to DCFS in care of the STATE Attorney Office ? I think they need to feel the heat on how the public is outraged for placing these girls for so long (and never picked up on ANYTHING) and actually signing off on these girls being adopted by this mone hungry couple. The state continues to pay the adpt.parents so obviously this couple adopted them to get DCFS off their back. I believe there could not have been post-adoptive supervision, or any checks on these girls after that happened; so once again the state failed these girls and walked away. I will never understand why the state allowed the number of children in that home. It was reported as many as eight. How then is it that when DCFS visited this home they could not realize how this family was dysfuntional, and failed to see the real reason they wanted that many was the income they received from the state and nothing more. April is CHILDHOOD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH, I think this case has exposed that even so called model citizens and from what I, have read, religious fanatics can and do ABUSE children in fst.care and in this case adopted girls that received NOTHING but hardship and suffering unimaginable to comprehend, and now as grown young women have to even endure reliving the nightmare of sexual abuse for more than half of their young lives. If I were them, I would get rid of the legal name GASKILL as soon as possible and take back their biological name as unfortunately, the last name Gaskill was all they sadly received, and it meant nothing as they were never a real part of this family their vwhole lives. Also, there is NOTHING to be proud about being saddled with the name GASKILL and will always remind them any time they sign their name, that they were given this name not for love, but for blood money this couple have and always will have on thier greedy hands…. NEVER TO BE WASHED OFF no matter how they try to deny that they were in fst. care for the LOVE OF CHILDREN and that the only reason they were ever in it is the fact that it was a businees that was lucrative for themselves and nothing more.

4 West Old State Capital PlazaEighth Floor Springfield, IL 62701(800)-722-9124

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The position of Inspector General for the Department of Children and Family Services was created by unanimous vote of the Illinois General Assembly in June 1993 to reform and strengthen the child welfare system. The mandate of the OIG is to investigate misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance and violations of rules, procedures or laws by Department of Children and Family Services employees, foster parents, service providers and contractors with the Department. (See 20 ILCS 505/35.5, 35.6, and 35.7)

To that end, the OIG has undertaken numerous investigationsand initiated projects designed to improve practice, uncover wrongdoing and increase the professionalism of the Department. The value and focus of the OIG is the individual life of the child.

The OIG responds to and investigates complaints filed by the state and local judiciary, foster parents, biological parents and the general public. At the request of the Director, or when the OIG has noticed a particularly high level of complaints in a specific segment of the child welfare system, the OIG will conduct a systemic review. Investigations yield both case-specific recommendations and recommendations for systemic changes within the child welfare system. The OIG monitors compliance with all recommendations.

The OIG investigates deaths and serious injuries of all Illinois children who were involved in the child welfare system in the preceding 12 months. The OIG is also a member of Child Death Review Teams around the state. The Inspector General is an ex officio member of the Child Death Review Team Executive Council.

OIG reports are submitted to the Director of DCFS. The OIG also reports to the Governor and the Illinois Legislature. An OIG report contains a summary of the complaint, a historical prospective on the case, including a case history, and detailed information about prior DCFS or private agency contact with the family. An analysis of the findings is provided along with recommendations.

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Rules of the Office of the Inspector General are published in the Illinois Register at 89 Ill. Admin. Code. 430. The Rules govern intake and investigations of complaints from the general public, child deaths or serious injuries, and allegations relevant to employee licensure action. The Rules also address the Inspector General's reports to the Director.

Filing A Complaint

Due to confidentiality requirements mandated by law and the unsecure nature of electronic transmissions, the OIG does not accept complaints by e-mail.

If you wish to file a complaint with the OIG, please print and fill out the attached form or contact the OIG directly at (800)-722-9124 or (312)-433-3000."

This is Crabbina – Do any of those posting who are local know how much media coverage this case has gotten? Can you please let us know as we can try to contact the media. This case is crying out for national coverage. Thank you.

THANK YOU RALLY FOR THE VERY INFORMATIVE INFORMATION YOU LISTED IN GREAT DETAIL FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE BEEN BAFFLED AS HOW TO EXPRESS OUTRAGE AND PUT DCFS IN THE HOT SEAT FOR HOW THEY ALLOWED THESE GIRLS TO EVEN BE ADOPTED BY THIS DESPIVABLE COUPLE. I HOPE MANY ON THIS BLOG, USE YOUR VALUABLE INFORMATION TO EXPRESS HOW DISGUSTED WE ALL ARE THAT THE STATE IS SO IRRESPONSIBLE AND REPREHENSIBLE IN MAKING SURE CHILDREN UNDER THE STATE'S LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP ARE PLACED IN HOMES THAT THE FAMILY IS FULLY INVESTIGATED WITH CHARACTER REFERENCES AS WELL AS STRINGENT SUPERVISION IN EVERY AREA OF THE CHILD'S LIFE INCLUDING MOTIVATION FOR WANTING THE FST. CHILDREN IN A HOME WITH FOUR BIOLOGICAL CHILDREN LIVING THERE TO BEGIN WITH. I WILL FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT ASP AND I HOPE THE PEOPLE WHO TOOK THE TIME TO SHARE THEIR DISGUST WITH THIS HORRIBLE EXAMPLE OF HOW DCFS FAILS CHILDREN GET BUSY AND DO THE SAME.

Anonymous April 4, 2012 358p — I do believe both girls dropped Gaskill prior to going to the police about this case.I know Amber definitely did – not sure about Missy~~~~~~Crabbina – I would say this case has not received very much coverage. The two major papers are the Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune. I was kind of shocked not to see any coverage in the Chicago Tribune; but I saw a story in the Chicago Sun Times. The local media has been reporting after each court date.http://riverforest.suntimes.com/index.htmlhttp://www.oakpark.com/Home/Contact_Ushttp://oakpark.patch.com/

~~~I agree that there needs to be a bigger deal made about the case. The Sex abuse is apalling — but I also cannot understand how so many children were placed in one home. I was curious about how many children are allowed in a home according to IL DCFS liscensing standards. I found a link here. It says 2009 so not sure how accurate:http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/docs/Rules%20402%20eff%208-1-2009.pdf

If you go to appendix C it says there are no more than FOUR children with special needs allowed to placed in one home; unless of course there is special permission. Someone at DCFS signed off and made the exception for some many special needs children to placed in the Gaskill home. I would say there is someone at DCFS or the private agency the Gaskill family was working that should be held accountable.

It has recieved coverage from local publication (the oak leaves and wednesday journal), nothing big. Initally there were quite a few articles and the story was run on cbs and fox (i believe). Now there is at least one publication that will run an article after each court date. Any coverage is minimal.

Crabbina, I am so glad you asked about media coverage. The coverage has been the articles you posted on this blog in the Oak Park Leaves and the River Forest Leaves both local to the community that the Gaskills are known. The Chicago news-papers only had a small article when the story first broke due to the fact of the huge bond that was placed on the accused. I and many on this blog would agree, that the Chicago papers should cover this horrible story that is an example of DCFS FAILING CHILDREN and allowing them to live in a home that clearly should have never been allowed in the first place. The results of such lack of RESPONSIBILITY speaks volumes in this case.

I agree that really only are local papers have covered the story only after each court date. I'm sure DCFS is very happy that the story of how grossly irresopnsible they are has not been exposed in the two major Chicago area newspapers. I believe if reporters were given the whole story about this entire fiasco, they would expose to their readers how DCFS fails, and the horrible consequences that befall innocent children that depend on them (DCFS) to make sure that a home these children in the state's care needs to be a home where the fst. parents are thorughly investigated and in every way possible qualify becoming fst. parents in the first place. Also what kind of home-studies, visits, supervision did this couple really have? If the examples I have read on this blog are any indication of how even the community they lived in had raised eye-brows on this couple; how is it that these so called case-workers could not pick up on the girls unhappiness in the home? The only answer I can come up with is these children perhaps were never given an opportunity to speak freely without the fst. mother and or father in their presence. Also, this woman sounds like (and husband) to be very cunning and extremely adept at being able to present themselves as people that are perfect parents as well in character, It is to bad the couple was not reported to DCFS multiple times, but everthing I havr read I believe DCFS still would not have done anything as they are obviously so inept and total failures that the reports may have not been investigated. The fact that this family had child after child placed in their care is beyond apprehension. The media, not just the community papers, need to hear the ugly facts of this horrible life these girls lived and put DCFS in the public domain to not only expose how they fail children and obviously get away with it as there seems to be no accountability or scrutiny that the state of ILL. holds over them; and they have no one to answer to but themselves. This story has so many components that have come out and proves two things for sure. DCFS does not protect children and lets childrens lives be ruined due to their failure to protect them, and that there are fst. parents that they let through who have one motivation only, and that is to collect money for doing nothing but housing children and abusing them mentally, emotionally, psychologicaly and in this case add on sexualy.

I honestly feel that the DCFS System is broken and that it doesn't have the skills, the money, the where-with-all to fix itself or be fixed. I'm NOT saying that as long as something 'runs' even if only on 1/2 or less of its cylinders, that attempts to 'fix it' shouldn't be made. I am saying that the road will be very difficult, but perhaps the attempt(s) would gain much needed strength if Missy and Amber's story was used as the riveting, driving, focal point.

Anita Alverez, Cook County State's Attorney, lives right down the street from many of us in River Forest.

People on this BLOG must wonder how so many of us could be 'played' by Mary Gaskill. I might be generous enough to include some of the Caseworkers from DCFS also. She is a bright, manipulative, mesmerizing, crafty, duplicitous, self-serving, skillful liar with a wonderful smile. She has had almost a 'Mansonian' control over many often resulting in actions out of the norm for people under her influence. I don't believe it was just 'giving Mary the power over me and others', but resulted from a carefully skilled and directed manipulation. Some broke off the pathological relationships in a few months, whereas, for others, it took years. When one wises up, her net has already been cast in reeling in another dupe hypnotized by her self-aggrandizement and contrived, salacious stories of her past friends who were "evil" and so "terribly mean" to her after how "good she had been to them".

APRIL IS CHILDHOOD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH. I would think if the papers in Chicago receive copies of this blog or are asked to have investigative reporters take a long hard look at another tragic DCFS child abuse story; they no doubt would write about it and follow this case closely as the local community papers do.

Crabbina: if you with your expertise in this area can do anything from your end, you would be exposing DCFS for the total failure that they are and how this case is sadly an example of how poor decisions and supervision rob children of normal lives and run a high risk of abuse in every form when placed in the care of people who are in it for monteary gains and not to care and provide a loving, nurturing home for a child to blossom in.

Look at the situation realistically. How and why would a caseworker not be fooled by Robert and Mary when friends and neighbors who know them much better believe they are pillars of the community? Remember how many supporters the Gaskells had initially. Many of them are powerful, educated, wealthy people. It is asking a lot of a lowly caseworker. It’s easy to say “a trained caseworker should have seen the signs.” (Trained doesn’t mean they get a crystal ball.) You have the advantage of 20/20 hindsight. DCFS is not perfect. They do make mistakes. In this case, the caseworker made a very understandable mistake and doesn’t deserve to be fired. Instead of demanding heads roll, do something positive. Take the time and energy to think of ways, and act on them, to help make DCFS a more effective agency.

This is Crabbina. Thank you to the posters who clarified the info about the media coverage. We are trying out best to get media coverage. You might also want to check the Sun Times and the Tribune and see which journalists there do investigative reporting on stories like this, and email them or call them and do not let up until you get a response. You can also do the same with the local TV networks.

Does anyone know what the fst. care business called Tapestry was? It was reported in the paper that the Gaskills operated this business out of their home. Was it non-profit, or did they run this business for financial gain as well? I would hope the detectives and prosecution have investegated or are investigating this "business" they ran out of their home as if it was for profit they managed to pass themselves as professionals in the area of fst. care and mislead and deceived a whole other group of people.

How will the prosecuters in this Gaskill abuse case weave into how this home was a home where sexual abuse happened as the girls were abused on so many other levels; rendering them vulnerable and manipulated by the likes of the accused in this case? Since so many on this blog want their identity protected; there will be no one on the stand swearing under oath the many different forms of abuse they personally witnessed by the mother in this case. Is giving the court the letters, copies of this blog, calls to RF police/detectives, DCFS, state attorney office,attorneys handling this case a way to testify the true nature and character of this couple as they speak to the jury on the girl's behalf? I would hope that information that has been obtained and given multiple times by many people would in some way give the jury the whole puzzle and not just the pieces that the defense and family have been spinning about these girls from day one. It is my sincere hope that the state can and will paint the picture of how this couple are not the people they scammed DCFS and others in their own community to be. The couples deceit was picked up on and known to many people who distanced them- selves and their own children from this family as has been stated over and over again on this blog. Hopefully, the people who have taken the time to become pro-active for these two girls, will and are making a difference for the sake of these girls who outrageously have been and will be dragged through the mud with every vicious statement about them coming from the Gaskill family themselves.

In response to April, 5th 4:43Pm: FYI the Gaskills wanted to be PERCEIVED as pillars of the community both at St. Luke Parish as wellas Calvery Church OP. The pillar they placed themselves on in the St. Luke Parish tumbled down taking them with them. Next, they tried to be suddenly placed on a pillar at Calvery Church in Oak Park . Unfortunately, once again their pillar that they so desperately wanted to be placed in this church community tumbled down once again.

They now belong to another church (some where in the universe) and no doubt have put themselves up on still another pillar but with this ugly story being exposed;they have no doubt fallen off another pillar, with their tale between their legs. The people that they made sure they rolled elbows with to elevate them- selves in the community that as you say were powerful, educated and wealthy were not duped by them for long. How many of them associate and respect the Gaskills and did not cut all social ties with them years ago? Do you really believe these people have held them in high-esteem these last 15 to 20 years? If you do, you are so sadly mistaken. To say that a casworker that works for DCFS should be cut some slack in this case or any other case where chidrens' lives and welfare are at stake is absurd. They are part of DCFS and DCFS is responsible for cases like this because DCFS does not hold their employees accountable as they do not want to be held accountable period. It has been this way for years. If you really have read this blog; it is so apparent that people that have expressed disgust with DCFS are involved in taking action and yes, want heads to roll no matter if it is a caseworker or inept supervisor of a caseworker. All heads need to roll at DCFS. People are doing some- thing. People are letting DCFS know that this case is unacceptable and are even questioning how they could possibly believe placing so many sp. needs children in one home can benefit any child in that home and expect that home to be functional and beneficial to any child is beyond comprehensible.Holding this agency and exposing and filing complaints against DCFS is happening; and if you haven't caught on educated, powerful, wealthy people in RF (as you pointed out) are involved as the whole community is outraged and want the state exposed in major media outlets to educate the public that all of us need to advocate for children in DCFS care; and the state of IL is at the center of making changes and reform in a system that has been broken too long. That is the way to make DCFS more effective; exposing their lack of ACCOUNTABILITY even if it means and no doubt does, making heads roll, as the lives of innocent children are at stake which requires strict requirements and serious supervision including many surprise visits to a home instead of every visit being scheduled which the fst family makes it look like everthing is going smoothly and they are such wonderful fst parents.That my friend, is how to make DCFS more effective. You need to read the many blogs that express making sure DCFS receives complaints and are exposed as that is the only way this system will change and reform the way they unfortunately operate.

Re: Tapestry Chicago, I don't think it was really anything. I got to look at it right before it was taken down, and it was just four or five "article/blog entries" written by Rob and Mary and commented ("Great article")on by Rob and Mary. There was info some professionals (lawyer, doctor)that were supposedly experts/has special interest in foster and adopted children; but when you looked them up, there was no indication that they really has any special interest.

When I looked at the time the page was started, it seemed suspiciously concurrent with the time she would have found out that her new pastor/boss was trying to adopt. I think it was just an elaborate plot to get next to him. I may be wrong, but you can't check it out now.

I looked at the Tapestry Chicago website as soon as the arrest of Rob Gaskill was announced. The Tapestry site was accessible the first day. It listed Mary Case as co-founder, then the Doctor ? and Lawyer ? and perhaps, a social worker, and Rob Gaskill as co-founder. There was a FEE to JOIN and to get past the homepage. (Case is the maiden name of Mary Gaskill).

To April 5th-4:43 PM Your defense of a caseworker/or caseworkers makes me think you or someone you know is a casworker at DCFS. If not, you are more outragedabout people on this blog pointing fingers at DCFSas a whole entity from top to bottom (including case-workers,then the girls who not only suffered in the home; but havebeen totally thrown under the bus by the Gaskill familywith allegations the girls are mentally ill, liars, and eventry to say FAS is part of their so called deranged allegations.Why is it that the Gaskills kept them in their home as longas they did if the girls needed serious mental health care?Gee, let me think….mmm the girls like the Gaskills wereable to not show any of these signs to DCFS including reportsfrom a top school district that has every resource availableto help children with mental health issues receive helpand would have intervened on the girls behalf if theirmental status was in any way presenting itself in theclassroom; and from complaints of parents of their peersas they no doubt, would have heard from their childrenthat the girls were troubled as well.Maybe I am missingsomething here. DCFS caseworkers understandably wereduped also by the impaired mental status of the girlslike they were understandbly duped by the Gaskillsbeing the next thing to "ROYALTY" in the community,as after all they were so loved by educated, powerfuland wealthy people in the community? Are you kidding? You need to read Mar. 20-11:04AM on this blog.The person who wrote it points out that Amber was moreneedy and had a speech impediment that was never reallyaddressed and was allowed to continue without outsidespeech therapy she could have received in addition to the speech services she was receiving in the school district.I guess it is totally understandable that a caseworkerwould be duped by the child herself. Obviously, the case-worker could not hear the speech impediment because thechild was able to hide it so well and the case-workerwas duped again.People on this blog and others in the community, in case it is not apparent to you, are steppingup holding the whole DCFS (including your lowly case worker)totally accountable and have and are actually pursuingways to get the word out to the public at large as theonly way to make DCFS (become more effective as you stated)is to do it in a way that people joined together makeDCFS feel the heat and be forced to make significantchanges and major reform to prevent child neglect, andabuses of every nature that all too often children in the system suffer because there is a lack of ACCOUNTABILITYin this whole agency that needs to be in place; so children receive the best care and home possible. One person can not change DCFS or any state agency thatfails miserably. However, people joined together (whichis happening and taking place)can force DCFS through publicawareness that they need to stop FAILING CHILDREN anddo everything possible to PROTECT CHILDREN PLACED IN A FST.HOME FROM SUFFERING ABUSE and yes, getting rid of(lowly case workers-as you stated) as EVERYONE in theagency needs to be held to high standards and accountability.What are you doing may I ask, with your time and energy toas you put it help make DCFS a more effective AGENCY?When you come up with more ways than what people on thisblog are already doing WITH THEIR TIME AND ENERGY……LET US KNOW……..WE WILL BE WAITING…….

To Anonymous April 6, 12:11: No, Gaskills are still in the pillar stage at their new church. They know about the allegations, but consider it a lie/Satan's work. They even have a financial fund to help the family.

Ever notice how these kind of people (Gaskills) always work in churches and Christian organizations? I don't think they could get away with their garbage in the real world. They always plant themselves where there are a lot of weak-minded, easily influenced people who don't know how hard life is outside their bubble.

I find it interesting that perhaps Mary Gaskill has a priest/pastor groupie complex. She always wanted to be close to priest at St. Luke and other priests she knew in the Chicago Archdiose. Of course that ended at St. Luke due to false allegations against a priest that drove her and her family out of the parish in short order. The family then dropped beind devout Catholics, and amazingly switched to a prodesdent church in Oak Park. The whole time she was here (calvery)she tried to befriend our former popular and loved pastor; which in the long run this pastor and his wife and family relocated to another state due to this woman trying so hard to hang out with the pastor and even causing the wife of the pastor to be irritated on how she tried to intrude into the families life as well. Many people at Calvery (myself included) believe if she never came to Calvery our beloved pastor would still be here as he and his family were very fond of the chuch as well as living and raising their sons in Oak Park. Now, I just read the blog about this woman trying to help a pastor adopt just to be close to him as well, It seems there is a pattern here; of a woman that needs to be close and elevating herself in a church community by flaunting how chummy she is with the church pastors, and in St Lukes case the priests and the pastor. I find this more than a coincidence, and I think it proves this woman seeks adulation and loves to tell people how close she is with the church pastor or priest as if people (in her eyes are wishing they were close to the pastor or priest). People thought she really had a problem and many here at Calvery to this day wish she never came here as she was a driving force that made our former pastor leave a church commuity that he loved and a area that he and his family loved living in. I wonder if anyone else has noted this weird obsession with her wanting to be QUEEN BEE in a church community.

The person that said they looked up the Gaskills Tapestry on line is correct.It was not exactly a non-profit group to advocate Fst. Parenting/adpt to"help" people and educate them how to pusue fst. parenting and or adoption. I went to the site right before the sight was taken down. It was set up like a businessas jiust to get info other than the home-page there was a fee involved first, and then you could acess the sight after you paid the fee. I thought immediately that this was a out of home "business" for the Gaskills and not a phlionthropic endeavor on their part. The site was taken down fairly quick. If it was something that would reflect them in a favor- able light; it would still be up and running as they would want the sight to show what generous people they are by finding time ( with their busy schedule of taking care of all those needy children)has a way to "advocate" for children in fst. care as if they were experts in the field no less.The business was mentioned in a news article so the info was obviously known about when it was on the sight they created. I'm sure everything they were involved with has and is being investigated by investigators on the case. If they were making money as a side business , I'm sure it has been noted and sheds light on how passing themselves off again as something they are not; ( experts in fst/adp), is no different to passing themselves off as the perfect religious pillars of two communities , RF and OP,that many in both communities have known for a very long time the phonies they are as well as their motives of becoming fst. which is and always has been about money. The Tapestry business no doubt was profitable, as if they were so proud of what their involvement was, it would still be available to acess on line.

April 6 12:11 Thanks for updating thatb the Gaskills have once again found another home base church; and are enjoying being once again on a pillar by people who eventually will be wondering later, how they bought into their convincing persona that they use to their advantage, as you stated these kind of weak-minded people are easily manipulated by people like the Gaskills because once they find out that they are so dedicated to fst.care and are all about caring for children and are selfless, they elevate them as people who must be so giving that they give up their lives to devote to caring for needy and disabled children. Is it not surprising that these cult like individuals, start pointing that Satan is attacking them ( Gaskills) and everything that has and is happening is Satan trying to take them down and sadly really believe that they have been victimized and targeted by Satan himself. The real facts that exsist that caused the trouble(which they were guilty of for years), are totally ignored and deemed fabricated by two deranged liars and even people that have shared their negative experiences are all in Satans hands and are really Satan himself attacking them because they are just such Godjy people. It is intersting but not surprising, that their followers are raising money for them. What happened to all the money they took in from the state and their own jobs? Perhaps, as someone posted on this blog; Mrs. Gsaskill was a big spender on herself and family (excluding fst. care children) and does not have a sizeable bank-account. However, they did take in tax-free income, so how could they not have money saved to help them pay their lawyer fees? The couple needs to look at the trouble they are in and face the hard fact that they themselves not Satan, have brought them to this juncture in their lives. All they both have to do is look in the mirror, they are the cause not Satan, for the abuse and suffering they both comitted against the two girls that were robbed of a normal childhood;and for years suffered silently the abuse that the accused is now facing and standing trial for.

Apr.7-12:31 AM Your comment about Mrs. Gaskill wanting to be as you put it "QUEEN BEE" in whatever church community she was in is so true. She always as well as her husband, actively propelled themselves to be high profile as they wanted everyone to know how christian and religious they were and they were so much better than the other church members. It is my experience, that people that need to wear their faith in God "on their sleeve", and parade around as being better than anyone else; are people that have problems and they use their religious piety to elevate themselves to be viewed(in their perception)as beyond approach in character, morals and values. Often, these kind of "wear it on your sleeve " people "wear it on their sleeve" because they all too often "WANT" others to see them and reward them with adulation as they really are hiding who they really are behind the facade of their faith. Obviously, many devout Christians from any demonation, PRACTICE and LIVE their faith and do NOT SEEK ADULATION as faith is a relatinship between you and your God; and live thier lives by living their faith and practicing their faith quietly. It is often a red flag when people "wear their religion on their sleeve", as it does make one think why they feel they need to flaunt "how holy they are". Sadly, many times these kind of people hide behind their religion; as religion becomes their way of covering up who they really are; which often does not reflect the image they are working so hard at being in the eyes of their religious community. Many cases like this one involving people with this same profile are even on this very forum as well as the news. The Sandusky case while not identical, is very close to this story; including religious ties as well as a wife that is very much like Mrs. Gaskill. I personally have always thought that if you have to wear your "religion on your sleeve" and flaunt your faith, you truly are not practicing your faith.Faith needs only to be a personal relationship with the Lord and living your faith each day by quietly practicing His teachings and living a life that reflects your love of God by your actions and how you treat others. There is no need to "wear religion on your sleeve", as actions speak louder than words. I was rasied with a simple concept that I have raised my own children with since they were toddlers. It is not a secret, nor is it hard, it is plain and simple. Treat others the way you would like to be treated,be kind to everyone you meet, and most of all trust in God and practice his teachings by simply living your faith everday.

Do you think the new church they go to is the one in Brookfield where their son in law is the youth minister? It would make sense that they would go there now. I would think there would have to be some kind of a fund started for them as how else would they come up with the bond money?

The Church is called Cornerstone Community Church-right? in Riverside, Illinois tho initially I was told it was in Western Springs or somewhere out in the Western suburbs. Unbelievable that to learn that yet another community is being duped.

I happen to know the (Edwards family) long time Calvery membersas I attend and I am active in my church community (Calvery);and after the Gaskills left under questionable circumstances, it was common knowledge that they became members of the church their son-inlaw is a youth pastor. The church is in Brookfield IL and is as the blogger before me said Cornerstone Community Church is the correct name of the church. The sad part of them attending church there is this family is like poisin ivy; and to become close with them in any way is very risky. The son in-law is part of a very wonderful and and truly worthy of high regard (Edwards Family) who live and practice their faith in every aspect in their lives and are loved by many people not only at Calvery but around the world. The son in-law comes from a missionary family who like the rest of the family are loving and genuine caring people. The son in-law is a wonderful young man and the Gaskill daughter he married is as sweet as can be.It is too bad that the Gaskill couple are involved in their son in-laws church as it no doubt will be uncomfortable and awkward for the young youth pastor as the Gaskills like everywhere else they have ever been, will be a negative influence in this church as well. I'm sure they have attracted and duped weak-minded people with the their spin on the girls that have came forward seeking justice that they so clearly deserve. I doubt the amount of bond money was raised in such a short time by their new church. The Gaskills are not above asking for money from family members and maybe even took money out on the equity of their home. The fund that has been established is no doubt being used for all their expenses and paying bills as the income from the state has been cut and they will have to pay back the sources of the money they borrowed. The fund better stay in place a long time as they are going to need it. Brookfield is an average and middle class comunity, and I seriusly doubt they can raise the kind of money they need as the economic status is hard working people who need money for their own families, and pay for their own bills. I hope the Gaskill couple do not ruin their son-inlaws churh as they have in two other church communities; but their presence there is unfortunate for these unsuspecting church members as they wii no doubt become tangled in their web of lies and it sounds like it has already started.

Thanks for all of the new information. If you have information that would help the new community be aware of red flags and to be cautious of involvement, you could contact the new church with your concerns. If they are in this church, the contact information is at http://www.cornerstone-grow.org/CCC/Welcome.html Usually people respond better to those with first-hand information.

I was under the impression that the gaskill's were not involved with their son in laws church. Last I heard they were pretty involved with willow chicago, a branch of willow creek church that meets downtown.

Apr 10 6;29 The Gaskills do attend and are members of the church in Brookfield, Il. If they had any affiliation with Willow Chicago,downtown in the past, that is not the case now or has it been since they left Calvery abruptly due to unethical behavior on Mrs. Gaskill's part, in a job position she held for a couple of years. Also, her daugther and son in-law, now have a beautiful baby boy and attending the church has become a family place of worship and when they left Calvery, it made sense to attend this church especially with their family ties.

Has anyone out there been able to get the attention on the two major Chicago newspapers to do a special report on this case? I have e-mailed both papers twice and have heard nothing back. I am going to try reaching tv news reporter Channel nine, Mark Sulpussa as he is an investigative reporter and often covers stories that should or need to be coverd in the media to educate and bring awareness to a story where corruption, deceit or in this case, the lack of DCFS's protecting children in their care, and are trying to sweep this case under the carpet as no news outlets have carried the story as the community papers in RF and OP where this couple lives and has ties in both communities. I'm hoping that if they get enough e-mails and or calls, they will report on this story before April 26, when the case goes to trial. Also, I have pointed out to both Chicago newspapers that this story needs public awareness as this story is one of many that happen and are constantly covered up somehow by DCFS. It is time DCFS is out in the public arena to educate people on how DCFS needs and has needed major reform from top to bottom in protecting children and making sure fst. homes are investigated intenseley even after during the post-adoption phase as these girls did not receive post-adoption visits and supervision after their adoption. It would have benn easy as DCFS obviously was in this home on a continual basis as they loaded up this home with a ridicoulos number of SP. needs children which in itself needs EXPLAINING.

It is interesting to note that the oakparkobserver on 3-26-2012 posted here a verbatim post from the Blog Site (see 3-26-12, 10:32AM) leaving out the first line: "Well, after reading all this, I can thank God that Rob was not black because the rush to judgment would be even worse." I wonder why this was posted on the Reform Talk Site and NOT on this one (Forest Leaves)?

I would like to point out that the majority of the Blogs are negative to the Gaskills, but very FEW address the allegations against Mr. Gaskill; rather most people are concerned over the failure of DCFS in not identifying this home as an abusive one in which the foster/adopted children were treated much differently than the bio-children. These children were subjected to personal, mental, verbal and isolating abuse by both Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill.

Furthermore, there are a vast number of bloggers who are having a difficult time coming to terms with knowing some of what was going on in the home and severing connections with the family rather than reporting the events to DCFS or other protective services.

To Apr.2,12:46 PM Your statement, "I have known the Gaskills for years". Your statement is just a fact (Unfortunately) that you like many on this blog are in the same category. Perhaps you are one of the few that has stuck by them for years; and are still supporting them despite the allegations and their pattern of mental and emotional abuse as well. That is your progerative, so good for you. I can say with honesty that many many people that knew the Gaskill family for years even before fst. parenting; and for a good number of years while foster parenting, can make the statement you made.We all witnessed the cruel parenting on behalf of these two young ladies while they were growing up. Some of us cut ties with them permanently, and some of us who knew too much of what was going on behind closed doors(Gaskills figured out as Mary was very perceptive as well as secretive) and she sensed disapproval on the treatment of the girls were banished by the Gaskills themselves for fear of perhaps reporting to DCFS as many have lamented on this blog. We all did not care to be around them as we witnessed, heard and sometimes disagreed with Mary on the verbal abuse and unfair treatment and rules that the girls had imposed on them and we wised up and did not want to be a part of their lives anyway, but Mary liked to make you feel like she dumped you (truth was we were at the point anyway as we knew they were phonies) and none of us wanted to know anything more about their lives period. Sadly, we thought incorrectly, that DCFS would find out just by talking to the girls alone but that never happened and now in hind sight we all wish we could turn back the clock and taken the Gaskills to task by reporting the facts we knew to be true to DCFS at that time. All of us in the above categories do not believe the are lying. Sadly, since they suffered the abuses mentioned above, we can see and understand that these girls MORE THAN LIKELY SUFFERED SEX ABUSE in that home, no matter what SPIN the Gaskills are putting out there including the latest that SATAN HIMSELF IS ATTACKING THEM and the girls no doubt are SATAN in the flesh to them and only prayer will save them from this EVIL FORCE. Luckily, the justice system will be seeking justice for the girls from the true source of EVIL; the ACCUSED HIMSELF. It is too bad his wife is not being charged with childhood abuse as she dished plent out for years and she as well as her husband is and always has been EVIL HERSELF>

I too have tried reaching reporters from the two major newspapers and have not received responses even after e-mailing three times. I also have left voice-mail ans still am waiting to hear back. I am begining to think that because Chicago is very good at hiding things as they are so corrupt; as well as our governor Pat Quinn, the state may not want this case to have anymore exposure than it already has in the two community newspapers. I really think on some corrupt level they do not want attention drawn to DCFS since it is run by the state of IL. However, by not exposing cases like this, IL is as guilty as DCFS in failure to protect children in state care; and if that is the case, it is very sad that in the state of IL child welfare is not a priority. DCFS looking good seems to be what the state is interested in PROTECTING not CHILDREN.

Bloggers on this site that have lamented not getting the attention of DCFS are geniunely sorry for not acting onwhat they knew to be true: the Gaskills were cruel andabusive to the girls and treated these girls when they wereolder as servants in the home. Their bio-girls never didhalf the amount of chores that the fst/adp girls had to do.These girls from the time they were toddlers were treateddespically, with mental and verbal abuse even in the presenceof outsiders. To say many people feel so guilty is an under-statement. We have no defense other than we mistakenly thoughtDCFS would surely pick uo on this from visiting and talkingwith the girls privately when they were older. I myself,after removing myself as far away from this family as Icould; often wondered when the girls were older why they didnot complain about their treatment in this dysfunctional home.Another reason also was people, myself included, knew how reallydistutbed Mary Gsskill was and is, and did not want to dealwith the vicious side of her personality. She was very adeptat being irrational and intimidated people that she viewedas enemies or just did not like.The two above examples for people not getting involved wereignorence about DCFS; and fear of the wrath of Mary Gaskill.Everyone on this blog have been very honest and lookingback we wish we would have reported to DCFS and not trustingthem so much with the welfare of these girls. Also, Mary'sirrational and erratic behavior should not have matterd as we could have given information and protected are identitiesat the same time. The cold hard fact is we wanted to getaway from this couple and were not pro-active as we shouldhave been in spite of the likes of a Mary Gaskill.DCFS failed these girls for sure; but we as a community thatknew the Gaskills should not have been fst parents to beginwith, failed them as well.The only thing we can do now is to do what many of us havebeen doing by contacting authorities that are over seeingthis case and giving them the picture of two people whoare not only cruel but were and are comfortable exploitingchildren for money from the state(DCFS) and were allowedby DCFS to even take in more children for the money as well.I honestly hope these girls file a suit against the Gaskillsas soon as they can; and receive some kind of settlementwith the state for sime kind of restitution for allowingthese girls to suffer in that home for nearly their entirelives. Also, I hope Mr. Gaskill receives the punishmenthe deserves; and that his wife not be allowed to have anyfst children in her care. Any child the state allowed to beadopted by the two of them should be subject to a reviewin court and have the adoption revoked as these parentsare nothing but foxes in sheeps clothing.

Gaskills, If you read this blog (I hope you do), it is my hope and everyone on this blog; and many others in the community that are too disgusted with the two of you, (as well as upset with themselves) that they can't even read or write in this blog; as they are so sickened by what they have known to have exsisted in your home and feel sickened and remorseful for thinking DCFS would find out about the snakes you two are; gave DCFS too much credit) and now realize that not getting involved was a huge mistake. Also, Mary, it is clear you and your disturbed mind intimidated people to the point that they needed to seperate themselves and even children that were friends with your bio-children as it became not only apparent but necessary to protect ourselves and our children from your disturbing behavior and abnormal home. We are not sad for you and your husband as you "reap what you sow", and now it all has come home to roost and you both are in the position you are in. THE TWO OF YOU

are and were leeches receiving money for CHILDREN you abused in so many obvious ways that have been dicussed on this blog; as well as the abuse your husband is standing trial for.

HORRIBLY SICKENING

Whatever religion you have practiced or practice now, you sadly do not even practice the very basic and most important words that people of faith live by: "LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I LOVE YOU"-"WHATEVER YOU DO FOR THE LEAST OF MY BROTHERS, YOU DO IT FOR ME". These girls are God's children. They were in need of a healthy home with PARENTS that would LOVE them and make their childhood EVERYTHING a child deserves, and in their case even MORE LOVE AND CARE as they came into this world needing a family other than the one they were born into to provide them with a loving, caring and stable home to grow up in. YOU BOTH FAILED THESE GIRLS IN ALL AREAS AND: TOOK AWAY THEIR WHOLE CHILDHOOD AND INNOCENCE THAT THEY WILL LIVE WITH THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. HOW YOU TWO SLEEP OR EVER SLEPT DURING THE NIGHT IS BEYOND COMPREHENSION

MAYBE, NOW THAT THE GIRLS HAVE FINALLY BROKEN THEIR SILENCE…… THE TWO OF YOU ARE HAVING MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS… AS YOU FINALLY ARE EXPOSED FOR RUINING TWO INNOCENT PRECIOUS LIVES THAT SADLY ENDED UP IN YOUR HANDS

TOO BAD YOU TWO REALLY HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT HOW PEOPLE WHO LIVE THEIR FAITH LIVE THEIR LIVES

Thank you for summing up what many of us have felt about the Gaskills using religion to hide behind and shield themselves from the people they really are and always have been. Personaly, I have always felt that when people blatantly want you to know how Christian they are and go overboard drawing attention to themselves; more often than not, they want to be noted and noticed. They love the adulation they think will elevate their status in their church community as well as the community they live in. It is obvious the status they worked at achieving played a role in how they wanted to be perceived; and the perception they wanted others to have of them. They used this false religious persona to dupe many people and no doubt DCFS. Faith is something you live in your everday walk in life. Living by one's faith is not for show. To love,respect,care and give of yourself unselfishly to othersis all that is required. Our actions guided by are faithis the only thing that matters.Faith is not loud. Faith isnot for show. Faith need not be flaunted, True faith issimply practiced in our lives as we share our lives withothers. Faith is quiet. Faith is kind. Faith is love.Faith is repect for all human life. Faith is caring for themost vulnerable among us. Faith is protecting and lovingthe most vulnerable. Faith is not selfish. Faith is everythingthat we can do to make life better for those less fortunate.The girls that suffered in the Gaskill home suffered in a home where faith did not live and was a false PRETENSE in every sense of the word.

I think the Gaskills in every aspect of their lives, especially their bible thumping (Mary was (known to have bible studies on her front porch) and false piety can be summed up without saying anything else-HYPOCRITES

False religious persona? If someone believes in God and dedicates their life to their religion, how is that false? Do you personally know the Gaskills so well that you know their beliefs are false? I know many of their children and their beliefs are certainly not FALSE. They didn't try to draw attention to their religion, they were simply noticed BECAUSE of their dedication to it. For people to say that Mary must be held accountable for some of this is absurd. What makes you think that these two girls would turn their father in and just "forget" to mention their mother had anything to do with it or had any idea it was happening? Grouping her into the supposed crimes is wildly unfair to a woman who dedicated her life to taking children in who needed help. I know for a fact she loves her children with every morsel in her body and would not let something like this go on if she knew. Let's not forget that people are INNOCENT until proven GUILTY. I'm doubtful of this "confession" that is being reported. If it happened it wouldn't be a random line in the middle of an article. Let's let the JUDGE decide what's real and what's right, you all should stick to your day jobs. For those of you spouting religious nonsense, you're no better Christians than the people you're pointing fingers at by being judgmental before anything has been proven.

Perhaps Mary loves her children on some very basic primal maternal level, however, EVERYTHING else that I have read, regarding her phony pseudo religious lifestyle, her behavior, her narcissistic obsession with popularity, the police calls, the spreading of lies about people, the threats to others, the absolute phoniness of her life is all very familiar. ANYONE WHO DEFENDS HER IS A FOOL. Her whole life has been a phony one act play. She is a product of totally dysfunctional upbringing that goes way back. She has just brought the dysfunction up a notch, and some very innocent children became the victims. There is no way that her husband is the only one to blame in this scenario. Perhaps the sickness will finally come to an end.

The Gaskills were totally DEVOUT CATHOLICS ( at least that is how they were perceived and wanted to perceive); yet were forced to leve because Mary falsely accused a young immigrant priest that she CHOSE to be CHUMMYY with of making inappropriate sexual advances toward her. A full investigation was done and the young priest was vindicated. Her allegations were a blatant lie. The pastor knew the accusations were bogus from the start as Mary (unfortunately was known to have issues). People in the parish were totally baffled by her motives for the allegations. Instead of facing the parish congregation and sticking it out, she left the church in short order; leaving her devotion to (she attended mass daily) of a religion she was passionately dedicated too. We all know the rest of the story. Calvery was all of a sudden embraced full force over night. She and her family were there for several years until she blew it once again. The elders of Calvery confronted Mary with some serious issues regarding unethical behavior (having to do with finances) in a office job she held at the church. Mary was asked to leave. The elders sent a letter out to ALL members informing them of her absence and asked that the members not gossip about it and they wished Mary well. Again, she switched to an unknown chuch that was reaveled on this blog as a small church in Brookfield.

If you call everything listed above someone who is dedicatedto faith in God and lives it that is your choice. Her children are innocent as they were and are not the sources of the problem in this family.When it comes to practicing faith, actions speak louderthan words; and running around flaunting religious beliefsis not what is needed or required by God.In fact it is theopposite. You live your faith in every aspect of your life.Wearing it on your sleeve as someone pointed out on thisblog is a red flag. You are absouletly right about Maryloving her children with every morsel in her body.Those children are her bio-children. You apparentlybought into her dedication to fst. parenting needy childrenas a example of "her love of children". Foster care weasand has always been a business for her and her husbandas they became foster parents for the money they receivedper child each month. If she truly loved the girls (whowere as sweet as can be) there would not be anyoneon this blog speaking about the abuse (verbal and mental)they witnessd on this blog that the two of them participated in and sadly abuses of one kind in fst. care makes itmore likely for abuse of the nature that her husband hasbeen charged with. Read about similiar cases. The Sanduskycase has many parallels to this one.You are naieve to think a predator would not cover theirtracks. FYI the verdict will be decided by a jury, notthe judge. Remember? A grand jury indidited him to begin with.

okay, let's say their "beliefs" are not false. Let's also say that their interpretation of "beliefs" took on a whole new meaning when Mary felt it was her obligation to write numerous letters to people she believed were the "devil." Who does that? What type of a person passes judgment on another and decides they should be notified in writing that they are evil and doing the devil's work? And, these letters always followed a disagreement or difference of opinion with Mary. Mary seemed to be aware of every person in River Forest who was kibbitzing with the devil, and low and behold…the devil was right there in her very own house!!! It gives me the chills thinking about it. Really, if Mary had been taking care of business at home and cooking, cleaning and raising children…shouldn't she have been too busy to write these letters? How many out there received one of her letters or was the object of one of her letters going to someone else? I don't know, maybe people should have notified DCFS early on, because I'll tell you one thing…if the tables were turned and Mary thought you were doing something improper, she would have written lettr and made phone calls until some type of action was taken. Anyway, it doesn't matter about their religion…ROB ADMITTED GUILT.

The Gaskill childrens' faith has nothing to do with any abuses the two girls suffered in the Gaskill home. I know the Gaskill bio-girls and know the two girls in this case as I knew them at their former church Calvery. The bio-girls were from everything I knew of them to all be very fine young girls. The two fst/adpt girls were also sweet and pleasant. The children should not even be talked about at all. Although, it seems to have been fair game for dispariging remarks about the two girls have been expoused by the parents as a defense that they are liars and can not be trusted. This is a sad situation for the bio-children as they are not responsible for either parents' treatment of the fst/adpt girls . I think the bio-girls are wonderful young women in their own right. The fst/adpt girls I'm sure if they were really loved as evident with the bio-children, this case would not exsist as they would have never suffered abuse of any kind. One thing is for sure, the Gaskills love their bio-children and would do anything for them. That's what loving parents do. Sadly, the two girls were not given the same love and dedication and there were times at Calvery that you could not help but notice that the two girls were not treated equally. They deserved to be with a family that perhaps did not have children of their own; and would of had the love and attention they needed, without having to compete with bio-children that were clearly loved and cherished by their bio-parents. DCFS should think out what family children are placed in. This family already had the responsibility to love and raise their own children and it does seem that they could only care for these girls but not ever truly loving them enough to make sure the girls had the perfect childhood their own children were blessed with having. Some people can not love a child that is biologically not theirs and I think that is evident in all the information that is coming out on how the girls were treated in the home.

To Apr 12 10:49 AM How many wives know and think it is ok for their spouse to do anything like what the accused is alleged to have done to these girls? I would say none. I'm sure IF this really happened, his wife was probably not around and the girls kept this secret for reasons that they only know. This man is innocent until proven guility. However, the way these girls were treated bt whatpeople on this blog are saying they witnessed, does castdispersions on the home envioriment. That is what the jurywill have to determine during the prosecution of this case.I feel sad for everyone in this case. There are no winnershere. Just a lot of people who have lost their lives oneway or another.

I agree that the bio-girls seemed very nice. Quite honestly, I think they had to know how the two girls were treated unfairly as they lived in the home and no doubt witnessed what people on this blog have noted about the treatment od the girls. Also, growing up they saw the way their mother was constantly a busy body worrying about everyones' business while guarding her own like a junk yard dog. She also was very unkind and vindictive to people that crossed her the wrong way or at times did not do anything at all. Is it no wonder people in this community did not want to be around her and her family whenthey saw how the two girls were treated and did not call DCFS? Looking back, people that distanced themselves from this family, should have reported to DCFS, and no doubt reports would not be isolated and maybe the girls would have been removed from the home. Although, I think that is giving DCFS too much credit as they saw fit to keep placing children (with SP needs no less) into this highly dysfunctional home with a woman who could not even take care of her own mental problems as she was the most self-centered person ypu ever could meet. It is only logical that her bio-children had to witness all of that behavior as well.How this affected their own lives growing up, only they can answer. If they rose above it and are not impacted negatively in any way as adults that seems impossible. I'm sure they are or have tried to forget everthing they saw and experienced, but I'm sure they had to be troubled by their mother's troubled behavior. Since she is their mother they might have chosen to ignore the behavior as children and never saw their mother in a negative light. Nevertheless, the children are in no way responsible for their mothers behavior and right now their focus is on their father. I just wonder if they look back and feel that their mother was a driving negative force in that home, that contributed to the trouble their father is in today.Their bio-children who are innocent and I'm sure very worried children right now, were also victims in the sense that they lived and witnessed abnormal behavior on their mothers part growing up; as well as abusive treatment of the two girls. They are suffering something right now that they are no doubt sick with worry over, and they so do not deserve this trouble in their family as they now are victims themselves.How can they not resent their parents decision to become foster parents to begin with?

"ANYONE WHO DEFENDS HER IS A FOOL." Really? You sound so unbelievably judgmental. Anyone who says something like that or groups people together based on their beliefs is the real fool. The problem here is that you believe everything you read. And how can you say the Gaskills became foster parents because of the money they earned every month? Who are you to make the decision that they felt that? It baffles me that people are so judgmental and jump to such conclusions. A few bad choices in life does not make you someone who is capable of harming your children or turning a blind eye when they are being abused. Am I saying that Mary is a saint in every aspect of her life? No. But does she need to be grouped in with her husband (if these allegations are even true) or have her life destroyed even more and her love for her children doubted just because she made some poor choices? If someone examined your every poor choice and deemed you a terrible person or mother for those mistakes, how would you feel? None of us would be considered "good people." Cut the freaking woman a break! She didn't abuse her children. She cared for ALL of her children, biological or not. You read a bad story (which is most likely false) and you choose to run with it. It's sad and Mary's life is already destroyed regardless of what happens from here. Bashing her on this website won't change anything. If she sent mean letters to people, so what? That doesn't make her an abusive mother. It doesn't make her a great person but no one is asking for you all to become best friends with her. It's not illegal to be opinionated or operate in different ways than others. Her life is already drastically changed and the only way she has to go is up from here.

The real question, 10:09, is which social worker approved this home for so many special needs children? Both Gaskills worked for welfare agencies and this whole case is suspect for cronyism. With multiple special needs children, they were making a lot of money from the state.Were waivers given to have that many children? Questions about her character are warranted when this many stories are being told about how she interacted in the community. Asking questions is not the same as convicting. Examining and discussing is not evil or the favorite Gaskill-loving term "judgmental." When you can't engage in a real argument, the only thing you can do is whine about others being "judgmental."

Anonymous April 13, or should I say Sara Michelle? Reveal YOURSELF so the River Forest cops can sue you for slander.I agree that you are a moron. We are all judged every moment of our lives by God. Remember that.

While the most important issue at hand is the future of these two young women, an issue that also needs to be addressed is the question of how the Gaskills were able to fool DCFS for so long. As most of the above have stated, initially they were duped by the Gaskills so-called phony religious zeal, but ultimately one realizes that it doesn't take very long for the flaws to become glaringly apparent. How they could continually receive children in their home is so wrong. Mary's sickness is so far-reaching and so Machiavellian it should be used as a template by DCFS for future caseworker training. As the mother of this family and primary care-giver someone (case worker) should have seen the red flags at some point. This case has implications that go far beyond it's face value and hopefully this will bring it to light.

To APRIL 12 10:09 PM……the judgement on Mary goes much farther back than you obviously know and is not based on any of the above. However, any judgement is now VALIDATED by these stories. The descriptions of her bizarre behavior, manipulation and life of duplicity and deceit are finally coming to light in print because of this blog. This behavior has been going on for decades. So for you to judge me, only shows that you are among the group who has not yet seen the light. Get off your holier than thou perch. I only hope that someone can organize a group to attend the court hearings to support these girls. Based on this blog I'm sure we could pack the courtroom to rival the defense. Whether or not Rob Gaskill is guilty as charged remains to be seen, but chronicles, over the years, of his wife's sick and twisted behavior could fill a library and why the hell she still has kids in her care is even more criminal!

Rally, I remember when Mary caused trouble with the priest in our parish, St. Luke and since many were critical of her, she sent quite a few unkind letters to whoever she beilived to now be her enemies. Some of us once were friends with her and until then tried to not let her stong personality bother us. We knew Mary could be hard to deal with but we tried to stay on good terms with her; really many times letting things she said or did that were unexpected or strange behavior go; as we learned how to deal witrh her in spite of her bossy nature. I received an "unkind" letter, but I was not surprised as Mary was more than capable letting you know she was " angry' and I did not let the letter get to me. I wish I kept it, but since it was a bunch of garbage, that is where it ended up. Later, I found out I was not the only receipient of a letter that was "unkind". I don't know if anyone showed the police (as that we be on record), as some of the lucky letter holders were very angry and felt she hadissues and needed help. There may be someone out therewith one of her letters as she sent people letters even later than that time-line. I would think many ended up in the garbage where they belonged. Who knew the letters could be used later to show her volatile nature in a serious matter like this? I think her neighbor received a lot of letters over the years and maybe has them or at least one they could share. I will call her and find out as I do not know if she is aware of this blog as she leads a very busy life.I do believe the police know we are not lying as she calledthem constantly complaining about one thing or another. Everything she reported was ridicoulos and the policeknow that about her.If she could she would probably be sending the same kinds of letters to people who believe the girls are not lying right now.

What in the world does the 4-7-12 comment posted at 12:48 mean? "I have known the Gaskills for years." Were you close friends? Were you in their home? Did you socialize? Were you harassed by her until you gave in and accompanied MG on one of her evening jaunts? Where you there during one of her on store destruction raves? Were you privy to the buying trips to GAP, having a family photo taken, and then the clothes returned to GAP? Did you witness the betrayal of the fostered, then adopted children's medical and bio-home histories told to total strangers. Were you in the home when Missy was in charge of bathing and putting to bed Amber and another child? Were you there when they were locked up in the 3rd floor bedroom? Were you there when they were not allowed at Christmas dinners or at parties when the bio-child the same age as Missy was allowed to be there? Were you there when Amber was called a moron and an idiot? Were you there for the St. Luke's nightmare? Were you around when she would leave all of the foster children under the supervision of a 17YO unrelated girl while she worked at Calvary? Did you hear her absolutely terrible stories about her husband? (true/untrue? given her history as a liar, who knows?)- Were you privy to the salacious stories she told about 'no longer' friends? Were you privy to her absolute terror about being audited by the Federal Government? and these recollections are but a few. We were verballylabeled 'evil' by M.G. and her children told us they could not speak to us ever again. I'm only sorry I don't have something written, something concrete. However, I do have a firmly embedded personal knowledge of the nightmare on Ashland.

For the life of me I am totally mystified by the props given to them by their new Church's community. Haven't they seen this Blog or the articles and comments at other sites? Wake up like we all eventually did. I truly feel great sorrow for you because she/they do not deserve your support. (as a post note-this has NO connection to R.G.'s current court case; he will be viewed as innocent until proven guilty.)

I think all this information on this blog, even if given anonoymously will help the girls as I am sure it can only validate what the girls no doubt already explained to authorities before this blog existed. Too many identical examples and experiences revealed in many of the blogs are similiar and add up to people telling the truth of what they witnessed as far as the girls treatment by the Fst parents in public and in their home. This blog is a way for a community of people who want to express what they witnessed and their disgust with DCFS as well. Yes, people have been brutally honest about their individual opinions on the fact that these parents did not parent these girls with a loving relationship and home; but it can only help the girls because the abuse that alledgedly took place that the accused is standing trial for is very likely considering the way these girls were unfairly treated and abused. The fact that many have referenced Mrs. Gaskills irratic an irrational behavior many times also shows how these girls were totally intimidated and frightened by both parents. Adults on this blog admitted their intimidation and trepidation dealing with Mrs. Gaskills volatile nature and anger they themselves experienced with her that led to severing ties with her and her family. Is it any wonder that the girls suffered in silence until now since they are no longer children but young women who finally can speak for themselves without the fear of Mrs. Gaskill and whatever the accused said or did to frighten them as well. So, for all those that think this blog has no meaning, you are so wrong as too many people on here have expressed what they know to be true and it very likely will end up supporting the girls life experiences in a home they unfortunately had to spend most of their life unhappy and suffering so horribly and even worse if these allegations are proved in the prosecution of this case. Also, reports to authorities can be given with identity and not anonymously; and can and will be protected as investigators and the state attorney office use the information to prove that the girls are not lying about other abuses they faced in the home growing up.

To the question of people still having letters from Mrs. Gaskill that can be quite possible, However, inmost cases the individuals that received her hate mailtore it up and discarded it as it was trash and thefact that it came from her proved that it was a good thingto have severed ties with her even after long standin relationships. I think the RF police dept has been ableto experience first hand her irrational behavior whenreporting the most ridicoulous "offenses" by neighbors,village employees and even people that thought they wereat least on pleasant terms. I'm sure they are not surprisedto have heard now or in the past this letter writing blitzshe did on and off depending on who she thought was in some way insulting her by no longer associating with her;or God forbid it was something that involved one of herperfect children.It really is too bad that her husband didnot see his wife had a problem and seek help for her; butthen again, it appears that he was frightened of her as well.

I believe the prosecutors can try this case on it's own merits with the information they already have as this man would not be facing a serious trial, and even though he has posted bond, he still is under the scrutiny of the court and one mistep he goes back to jail. I don't see his house arrest as a signal that the court is not taking this case seriously. I believe like many others he was cut slack for the people from his church writing letters to the court,and packing the courtroom. The judge was swayed, butwhen it comes to trial she along with the jury will be hearingthe case that prosecution has and I for one believe thatthe prosecution has substantial evidence as bail was sethight to begin with to essentially say this case was soserious with not one but two class X felonies of twominors that bail should not be an option. The prosecutionstill believed that but was over-ruled due to the judgefalling for the false persona the Gaskills are so goodat selling to people that are their latest buddiesbelieving the spin the Gaskills have given them aboutthe girls at the heart of this case.The evidence will comeout soon enough and I think more than likely it does notbode well for the defendant. Until then he is innocentuntil proven guilty.

I believe that 3 of the Gaskill bio-children remain duped about their parent's behaviour. After all, when you grow up and live in a household where mentally challenged and/or fostered and/or adopted children are treated differently, you accept it as the 'norm'.

Howver, I do believe that one of their bio-children was NOT duped. It remains to be seen if this person steps forward.

Rally and Crabbina~ I have checked this blog in recent days and there have been no blogs posted since your own;Apr 12 9:50 PM. I and some other community members are wondering if the blog is not going to print anymore blogs until after court date Apr 26 or when the trial is over. We are hoping that the honest posts (even though anonymously) have been helpful to investigators; and that the posts are written by real people who still can not have their identity revealed as there are (even now)many of us who do not want to deal with Mrs. Gaskill as many of us have experienced her wrath over the years (over minor things) and still believe she has not and will not changed as she is in need of professional help as many of us felt years ago, and untill this day. My personal opinion is that she has a serious personality disorder as she can become angry and volatile at the most trival things and then view people as enemies and resorts to behavior that has been described by many on this blog. I think some people have heard responses from print media and supposedly the news source is gathering information to see if enough information that has been revealed to take a deeper look into the actions or none actions of DCFS in this case.

As I'm reading through some of these comments, I feel obligated to set a few facts straight.

1. Calvary's former pastor did NOT leave the church because of the Gaskills at all. This was written by someone that obviously didn't know why Ray P. left, and had to come up with that theory. He left because of COMPLETELY different circumstances.2. The Gaskills did leave Calvary and attend Willow Chicago. They may have started to go to the church in Brookefield after, but it was not right away.3. The Gaskill children have flaws like everyone does. Even the biological children that were supposedly(I don't know if they were) treated better are good girls, but their flaws have been hung out for the world to see. 4. The youth pastor at the Brookefield church who is married to their daughter is one of the most amazing guys. His family is amazing, and he is a great person to be there for her through this time. Please don't judge him, his wife, or that church. 5. The trial hasn't even started yet. Wait to see evidence before we are so incredibly harsh. I have witnessed some of Mary's wrath, but that doesn't make me condemn them right away.

April 17, 2012 – you have to click on NEWEST to view the newest posts. Maybe Rally or Crabbina can add that at the bottom of the article.

I think many can agree that Mary Gaskill has issues; but lets also remember Rob is the one charged with the crime. The trial will only present evidence related to sex abuse allegation.

I agree that is important that others now realize that they were not alone when Mary mistreated them. I hope if there are children still in her care (as news articles reported); and people note inappropriate behavior they report it immediately.It no longer acceptable to think Mary is just having a bad day.

I do believe that Rob Gaskill was soft spoken. His wife's personality was so large that he was almost invisible. Can anyone add more?

We have added a comment to the post on how to find the comments over the 200 mark. Also, we have added a link to DCFS being on probation since January 11, 2012 from the accrediting body COA, Mary Gaskill's job at Lydia Home AND information from the defunct Tapestry Chicago website including an active link to a support group. Check out Update #7

I attended church with the Gaskills and have many close family and friends still involved in their lives. My experience with the Gaskill family was very similar to many described here. They came into our church, seemed very dynamic, involved, capable and impressive. They are quite charming and magnetic in many ways. Then as time goes on, strange allegations arise, odd behavior is noticed. You just think they must be misunderstood or quirky. When Mary was fired from our church, I struggled to make sense of the situation, and talked with many people closer to it than I was. And in time, I found more people in the same boat as me, trying to make sense of it all, and finally admitting that some things with the family seemed "off." Nothing definitively criminal. Subtle. But for sure not as pure and solid as they like to think of and show themselves. Mary is aggressive, strong, gossipy and pushy (near bullish at times), and yet also emotionally needy, insecure and week/wounded at times. Many people see signs of some kind of personality disorder, like narcissistic, borderline, or something. And Rob also has a very good surface impression, but when you dig a little deeper, there are signs of an irreverent, woe is me, immature and rude attitude.

My first reaction to hearing the news was, this can't be true! But then as I started to piece together what I know as fact: Both Mary and Rob have been caught—by people I deeply trust—in blatant lies. And according to Mary and Rob (known to lie), the girls, the police, the press, their former friends and neighbors are all lying. So if I have to believe one side, I'd tend to believe the victims. And the fact that the girls reported the alleged crimes years after they happened seems to make their story MORE credible to me, not less. They were children when the alleged abuse happened. I myself was abused as a child, and have a deep interest in studying the dynamics of what abuse does to children. The fact that they only reported it when they were older, living out of the house, removed from the dynamic of the family and therefore more in touch with an outside perspective on their situation makes it seem more true to the dynamic of other abuse victims.

Anyway, finding this site has been very enlightening. I can't believe the volume of comments from people with similar ominous feelings about the family. I really thought I was one of the few. One thing has really irked me when reading about this case… The favor the judge seems to extend toward Rob because of the supporters in the courtroom and seeming "upstanding citizen" vibe. You can bet his lawyer will be working hard to pump that perspective up. The idea that a large amount of people would show up and sit on the state side to combat that perspective is great! I really hope to read in the next story that the court was filled with people supporting the girls.

Also, to truly build a LEGAL case against the character of Rob Gaskill, people need to step out of the shadows with cold, hard facts and things that can be considered evidence of his character. Not just vague feelings that something was off. But if you are willing be named, listed as a witness, willing to testify… then stories like Rob calling Amber stupid while sitting on his lap, or Mary telling you vivid details of how damaged the girls are while they are standing there would be really persuasive in a courtroom case. But the judge or lawyers can't do anything with anonymous comments on an internet blog. I encourage people who have actually witnessed shady behavior to step out of the shadows and speak to the authorities. I wish I had more than just vague feelings and second-hand observations to share myself.

RE: April 18, 2012 8:30 AM questions about Rob's personality:The ONLY time Rob ever talked was when Mary wasn't around. In the presence of Mary, he was silent. He said he never knew what he or they were doing until Mary told him. One time he did say that one of the bio-children had talked to him and Mary jumped all over him saying that they never talk with you-they only talk to her-no way would any of them have any discussion with you (Rob). He never really made a move without her knowing it. She got a job which involved staffing medical facilities with nurses when regular ones called off-the job began at 3 or 4am in the morning until (can't remember). She never did the job-Rob had to and then go to his regular job afterwards. He did call a non-Catholic (before Rob became a Baptist), a heathen, for example, which demonstrated his capacity for being both highly critical and self-righteous.

For those still not understanding how to access comments above #200, you need to scroll to just the end of the post and see where it says XXX comments 1-200 of XXX Newer Newest. Click on Newest. You also can scroll to the bottom of the 200 comments and it says 1-200 of xxx Newer Newest and click on Newest. This is also decsribed at the top of the post.

I think during the police investigation of the girls reporting the alleged sexual abuse, the investigators no doubt probed, and asked the girls to describe their home environment, treatment on a daily basis and what each ofthese so called parents were like individualy. I also believe the girls were questioned if they thought people in the community witnessed the many abuses and unfair practices in the home growing up. These girls knew their parentssocial groups (that changed often). The girls could no doubt name these people as well as their children.If anything, the questions that were no doubt asked about their childhood and the way they were so sadly treatedwere likely written in reports. The examples on this blog even though anonymous, have to prove that when the girls were questioned about their life in that horrible house their answers were the exact examples that have been given on this blog which did not even exsist while the investigation was taking place before the so called fathers' arrest. So for those that have said this blog is meaning less, think about what type of questions were asked of these girls in addition to the deviant alleged sexual abuse by an adult who not only diminished them in public ( GOD knows what went on behind closed doors) and the answers and information that had to pour out of them as a giant waterfall.Also, many people who have supported these girls in various ways have given their names (as I have done). So, for all the most high and pious people of God out there chew on that for awhile. Mary Gaskill is NOT ON TRIAL but she is a major player in this dysfunctional home. People that negate her treatment of these girls as well as her many mental issues need to connect the dots as this cruel and irrational woman created a home environment that influenced the alleged predetor, her own husband, the alleged sex abuser who IS ON TRIAL and whethershe recognizes it or not; if indeed happened she set upthe girls to be easy prey and she will have to live withthat if there is or is not a guilty verdict in this case.

I have a question that many others had at CALVERY regarding the very emotional sobbing (not tears of joy) that Misty did almost for the entire wedding ceremony as a bridesmaid of the eldest daughter of the Gaskills. Many of us at Calvery thought it was over the top, and did not know what to make of it. Some of us speculated that perhaps she could not deal with the fact that the bride would no longer be in the home and it just became reality to her during the ceremony. Still, her sobbing could not be ignored and her eyes were all red from her sobs. She did not sob out loud, but nevertheless did sob very emotionally on and off through out the ceremony. The bio sisters shed a few joyous tears, but they clearly were not sobbing. Many of us were and are still baffled as we felt very bad for Misty having such a hard time on a happy day for the oldest bio-young woman getting married. Looking back, one could only think that the bride was someone that Misty loved dearly and was very close to. It does make you wonder if the bride had consoled Misty on many occasions when Misty was treated badly or unfairly and maybe even stick up for her. ( hard to imagine her standing up to her mother as she feared her mother like everyone else). Whatever the reason, Misty was clearly distraught and could not hide it or even try to hide her feelings. It also was interesting that Amber was not a bridesmaid yet old enough, and was not included in the bridal party. Only Misty can say why she sobbed so hard. However, it did seem that the bride leaving and getting married clearly saddened Misty and perhaps the bride (who is a lovely sweet young woman) took Misty under her wing so to speak and Misty was grieving for her loss of someone she obviously loved dearly.

FYI: DCFS EXPOSED ON FRONT PAGE OF THE SUNDAY EDITION OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE! THE ARTICLE TITLED "STATE FAILS TO INSPECT DAY CARES" IS EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE BY TWO INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS WHO GIVE MANY OF THE SECRET DETAILS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REVEALED AND COVERED UP BY THE STATE OF IL. THE ARTICLE TOTALLY PROVES HOW BROKEN DCFS IS AND DOES NOT SOUND ENCOURAGING FOR IMPROVING ANYTIME SOON AS THE STATE GOV PAT QUINN HAS CUT FUNDING BY 5% AND THE STATE OF IL IS FAILING OVER 300,000 CHILDREN IN DAY CARE ALONE THROUGHOUT THE STATE. THE ARTICLE FOCUSES ON THE DAY CARE FAILURES OF SUPERVISION AND INVESTIGATIONS. THIS IS A SIGN THAT THE MEDIA IS NOW LOOKING OVER DCF'S SHOULDER AND WILL NO DOUBT EXPOSE FAILURES TO PROTECT AND SUPERVISE CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE AS WELL. PERHAPS ALL THE LETTERS RECEIVED BY THE STATE ATTORNEY OFFICE AS WELL STATE LEGISLATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES BY PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG HAVE HELPED EXPOSE DCFS FOR FAILING CHILDREN MISERABLY IN THE STATE OF IL.

NOTE TO DCFS: YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE THE MEDIA IS FINNALY EXPOSING THE MANY DEFICIENCIES AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. MAYBE YOU (DCFS) WILL FINALLY LEARN THE MEANING OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILING CHILDREN AND IN TOO MANY CASES IN FST. CARE RUINING CHILDREN'S LIVES AND ALSO FAILING SO MANY CHILDREN ACROSS THE STATE IN DAY CARE.

GOVENOR PAT QUINN ARE YOU LISTENING OR REMAINING STONE DEAF IN SPRINGFIELD FAILING TO PROTECT INNOCENT VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN THE STATE OF IL?

I read APR.22 7:55P~ and the sobbing that Misty could not seem to hold back during the Wedding Ceremony was very much apparent and concerning. She was clearly overly emotional, and really distraught. I thought at the time that her sobs were not appropriate as you could not help notice and feel helpless sitting there as obviously her sobs were not tears of joy that are normal and understandable as weddings in the family are emotionally charged, but in a sentimental way. Since these recent events have emerged, I believe the sobs were sobs of someone who was having a hard time dealing with the bride leaving home and not being there for Misty. I do believe there must have been a close relationship between the two young women and Misty no doubt had many reasons that brought her emotions to the surface. The person in the blog that said maybe in Misty's life the bride took her under her wing and Misty realized she would no longer have someone that was there for and maybe at times a source of comfort. Whatever the reason, it was clear that Misty was overcome with her emotions and was probably happy for the bride but very unhappy for herself. If anything it was clear that Misty was having a difficult time; and in retrospect her sobs can be interperted as Misty sobbing for the loss of having someone she clearly loved, no longer being there for her in the same way. This is conjecture of course, but the sobbing on and off throughout the ceremony that Misty could not keep in check was odd as she clearly was distraught.

The explosive article on how DCFS fails children big time in day care centers across the state has been long over due. It is great it was on the front page of Sunday's Chicago Tribune and went on for two more pages with mind boggling details of how day cares throughout the state are not supervised, investigated, and even visited on regular unannounced visits. Many people that worked for someof these day care centers stated that when visits occured they were scheduled by DCFS therfore giving the day care center time to make sure everything looked perfect on the visitation day, which was totally different from went on in the center in its' daily operation. The article did not mention that the COA has put DCFS on probation since January of this year. Hopefully, with all the letters written to the news media sources in the Chicago area, the probation of DCFS will be revealed to the public and let the dirty laundry be hung out to dry. Neddless to say, the Sunday article reflects what many people have communicated on this Reform Blog. The gross negligence and total lack of accountability by this agency that should protect children, is sadly allowed to happen all over the state of IL, proving that many people employed in child care in day care centers are not even checked out thouroghly including criminal backround checks! It stands to reason that the Fst. Care system run by our state is no doubt been grossly negligent for years with the same problems and probably worse and EXPLAINS why people on this blog are so critical of DCFS failing to protect the girls that DCFS even allowed to be adopted, as well as supervising this home no doubt without unannounced visits, the Gaskills were probably prepared for visits and made sure everthing looked "perfect" and probably let the children know that they were to be on their best behavior and to answer questions in a positive way as if they did not they probably would have been relegated to being locked on the third floor and lose the few privildges they had in that so called home. hopefully, the next article will reveal DCFS's probation and how children are not protected inhomes as they are no doubt hardly investigated; and thatvisits are planned ahead of time and not unannounced onan ongoing basis. If this happened correctly in the Gasklilhome, we would not even be having this discussion today.DCFS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND I HOPE RECORDS REFLECTHOW LITTLE THIS FAMILY WAS SUPERVISED AS DCFS THOUGHTTHIS FAMILY WALKED ON WATER.This case should be usedas someone else stated as a template for trainind case-workers to learn that no FST.family is ABOVE diligentINVESTIGATION AND SUPERVISION.

RALLY In your experience with cases like this when the case goes to trial starting this Friday, April,26th how long does a trial of this nature take to conclude from start to finish. Doesn't an accused person under the law, have the right to an expediant trial and not have a trial be purposely delayed by either the prosecution or the defendants' side?

How fast the trial may go will depend on how crowded the judge's calendar is, the priority that the prosecutor puts on the case and whether or not that Gaskill defense is asking for things that may delay the case. My guess is that this may drag on for awhile, could be 1 year or more. Some statistics on rape and sex abuse cases can be found at http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/sexoff/sexoff.html#id574073

A few interesting ones: "For nearly 90% of the youngest victims of rape, those younger than 12, the offender was someone known to them. Law enforcement agencies reported that family members victimized 43% of these young victims–about 4 times the proportion found among victims age 30 or older (11%). "

"About 5 out of 10 rape defendants are released prior to trial, and 8 out of 10 convicted rape defendants had entered a guilty plea to the offense"

"Data drawn from police-recorded incidents of rape in three States revealed that 44% of rape victims were under the age of 18. The self-reports of convicted rape and sexual assault offenders serving time in State prisons indicate that two-thirds of such offenders had victims under the age of 18, and 58% of those–or nearly 4 in 10 imprisoned violent sex offenders–said their victims were age 12 or younger."

I have read numerous bloggers commenting on Mrs. Gaskill being employed in several jobs while having the enormous responsibility of having so many children placed in her care.( all with SP Needs with serious health problems) Her husband was reported to be also employed at Lydia, where she was employed as well until the recent arrest of Mr. Gaskill. One blogger pointed out, (the person was obviously good friends with Mrs. Gaskill), that Mrs. Gaskill totally feared the IRS taking a close look at their IRS tax information. Also, the same blogger pointed out that while Mrs. Gaskill worked at Calvery, she had a 17 year old girl (non-relative) watching these children in her home.

Two questions. #1- Why would DCFS allow a 17 yr old take care of children that the state placed in MRS. GASKILL's CARE especially as the girl was under 18 and clearly was not the person RESPONSIBLE for the WELFARE of these NEEDY CHILDREN? It stands to reason , if something serious would have happened under the juvenile's care, Mrs. Gaskill would have a lot of EXPLAINING to DCFS on how it was that she who was LICENSED and DESIGNATED as the children's primary CARE-GIVER as a FOSTER MOM who was even being paid by the state; that she would take a huge risk by NOT BEING PRESENT IN THE HOME, and placing children with SERIOUS needs in the hands of a 17yr, old child? ( I'm sure DCFS did not know) #2- Why was the income (which was sizeable and tax-free) not enough for this greedy couple to live on? Mr. Gaskill was no doubt collecting social security and working besides Mrs. Gaskill, and the two of them ran a fs/adpt business called TAPESTRY out of the home that apparently charged a fee to acess, and who knows what other revenue they gained from this UNLICENSED SITE as they were working other jobs as well as receiving a larger income from the state of IL.The couple garnerd a large income fromDCFS as they were deemed tragically and MISTAKENLY QUALIFIED FORto live on by being highly paid to beRESPONSIBLE and CONSCIENTIOUS FST. PARENTS of NEEDY andVULNERABLE CHIDREN.

The people that have in her defense said she was sucha great mother, and took care and LOVED ALL CHILDREN inher care need a big time REALITY CHECK.This couple operated fst. care as a BUSINESS, and the moneygarnered by them was STILL NOT ENOUGH as MRS GASKILLworked various jobs when her PRIMARY JOB was to CARE FORTHE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN IN HER HOME.( THAT SHE AND HERHUSBAND SOUGHT OUT TO CARE FOR BY TAKING THESE CHILDRENIN THEIR HOME AS RESPONSIBLE FOSTER PARENTS)The LOVE of MONEY has and always has been the DRIVING FORCEin becoming FOSTER PARENTS and for those people that goon and on and on how MRS GASKILL SIMPLY LOVES CHILDREN;wake up and look at her track record. MRS. GASKILL hadjobs outside the home and put children at risk in thehands of a 17yr. old girl. I hope the 17yr. old girlgives information on what the life of this family waslike. However, I have a strong feeling(not saying I'm right)but that 17 yr old girl could be SARAH MICHELLE who leavesposts on this blog accusing everyone as being JUDGEMENTALand her blogs sound like they could be written by a veryNAIEVE 17 year old. In any case, I think investigators shouldget the 17yr old girls name and question her. Also,DCFSshould go on RECORD in COURT that they would not haveALLOWED Mrs. GASKILL to place the children in a juveniles'care unless of course the Gaskills were privildged FST. PRTS.and THE STATE CHOSE TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY which wouldbe another CORRUPT practice of children in FST.CARE.

I have thought the same thing about all the time Mrs. Gaskill worked outside the home with so many fst. children in her care. I do not understand how she pulled that off with DCFS as several of these children were not even school age and had significant health problems (she let us all know) , and there was a baby they with a terminal disease (she lived to be three) on top of it. When she worked at Calvery she acted like she did not have a care in the world. Also, she seemed happy as hell not to be home with the children who she should have been home with. Many church members thought how she was able to get the permission to work outside the home as the children in her care placed by the state in her home were her first priority and that is why she was paid well with IL tax dollars every month. The child that was terminal and died at three, she led many to believe the child was adopted by her and her husband. When the little girl passed away it became apparent that she was lying as the obit gave her birth name and bio-parents and the Gaskills as FST. PARENTS. While she had that little toddler in her care and was out and about she always let you or anyone else aroundknow the girl was terminal without any show of emotion on her part.When the child needed extra room in her downstairs area, she complainedabout it as if this poor little girl was totally disrupting her "private life"with her own bio-family. How cold and heartless she was, yet when the girlpassed she put on quite an emotional act even expecting people thatnever knew the girl attend the wake. After the girl passed, she was soonseen at her favorite dive yucking it up and drinking alot.Mr. Gaskill also drank at the same place with her and buddies andput away quite a few himself. The investigators probably heard all of thisalready, and all they have to do is talk to the owners and people thatworked there at night. So much for the "SAINTLY LOVING PROTECTIVEFOSTER PARENTS"

The girl is no longer 17, she is in her mid twenties and when she began working for the gaskill's I believe she had to go through some training. Also she was, not sure if she still is, the girlfriend of rob and Mary's oldest son.

APRIL 24 12:50PM Even if this girl was in her mid twenties the question still remains: Why would DCFS even bother to train (how did DCFS find the time) her as Mrs. Gaskill was the primary care giver of not one (which could be feasible for DCFS to allow) but SEVERAL NEEDY CHILDREN that she was RESPONSIBLE for and was paid by the state as the PRIMARY CARE GIVER: A FOSTER MOM! The fact that she may or may not have been the son of Mrs. Gaskill's still does not make it right as the RESPONSIBILITY of Mrs.Gaskill when she signed on to be such a loving , wonderful FSt. MOM it is and WAS her RESPONSIBILITY to mother these children and care for them as her own. If the girl was the girlfriend (probably was) Mrs. Gaskill no doubt chose her instead of a total outsider as she guarded her private life as a FSt.mom as well as the children in her care as a mother bear and her baby cubs. It will be unlikely to get the girlfriend to speak about the questionable and irresponsible behavior of the family dynamics in a court of law.

I believe foster parents that are parenting children that are not SP. needs and in school all day, a Fst Parent could and many do just like in bio-families be able to work outside the home as long as the parent either came home by the time the child or children did, or made sure the child or children were in a SUPERVISED after school program until the parent could pick them up. However, with NEEDY children and one even so ill that she was terminal, why would DCFS in their right mind let anyone other than the licensed Fst Parent take care and be in charge in any way shape or form? This sounds illogical to me. If DCFS signed off on it (another example of failing children in foster care), it is further PROOF that like the Sun. Trib article on how thousands of children are FAILED by DCFS in DAY-CARE in the state of IL, that DCFS no doubt does a worst job in keeping track of what the — is going on in fst. homes like this one. Oh yes, why did MG have to work outside the home anyway? DCFS paid this family very well. My guess is she just wanted to get out of facing the responsibilities of caring for these NEEDY children; and the extra money was a bonus as she was known to spend money like water on her many shopping splurges. MS is NOT ON TRIAL like her husband. How ever she no doubt pulled the wool over DCFS on many things including when she did come home from work these NEEDY children were either in bed or would go to bed as early as possible as that is exactly like she did to the two young women that have pressed charges(when they were younger).MS. is everything that is wrong in the FST care system as for her husband he is INNOCENT until proven in a court of law GUILTY.

APRIL,24 11:28 You are so right about how cavlier both MRS. G and MR. G were when they told people ( with the child in their arms or a stroller) that the poor little girl had a terminal disease. I still get choked up talking about my mom passing two years ago. Most if not everyone would gasp when hearing that inf and could not understand that with all the other children in the home this couple would even want to have to take on a very serious illness with a child that was terminal that would require exhausting hours ofv quality care.Of course the couples' buddies out there are going to say MRS. G. just had such a big heart and so much love to share that she just could not say "no".The couple even went totally public and had their picture in a community paper when at some point while the child was alive they sponsered "Laps For Lucy" a run to raise money for the terrible disease that this little girl was suffering from. The turn out was basically their own family and some of their loyal admirers and church people. Again, another example how thisin couple relished being in the spotlight and adored by unsuspecting people in the community. One of their fst or adpt children had written an essay in school and that is how and why they did the event (besides being high profile). The childs' idea was I'm sure sincere as I cant't imagine a child having to see another child so terribly ill and not be affected and that child was sensitive enough to come up with an idea that would help him cope with her illness and loss. However, MRS. G. loved the attention as she always enjoyed being noticed in the community.The name of the reataurant that the two of them frequented and drank margueritas was a local place called LOLOS. Many of their friends hung out there with them. I and many people wondered how they found the energy and time as many of us are parents of young children (without sp needs) and are exhausted keeping up with them and their activities that going out without them hardly ever hsappens accept on special occasions. I really thought that they had a lot of care-givers employed around the clock and I found out reading this blog that they did not. I'm totally shocked that they did not have hired help as how else could they be out and about at night?

I never inquired either parent (felt it was not my businees) if they had a lot of hired help like at lest three shifts as this couple for all the responspilities they had, seemed to manage having a busy social life ( night life in their fav rest) frequently and managed to frequent often. It was not until reading this blog that I found out that was not the case. I still do not know how they did it; and where they got the energy with so many children to take care of.

I have read this blog on and off for the last two months.I just updated myself and I really believe that people(I do not know who they are), as I do not even know thisfamily. I must admit it has been intersting reading thebackground and history of this couple; people seem tobe brutally honest and probably could combined together writea book on the couple; especially the wife.I really think people should start focusing on DCFS andthe failures that no doubt occured by an agency that cannot even protect children in day-care ( which in my opinionshould be easier) and focus on how DCFS also fails themany thousands of innocent children that they place inthe foster care system. This blog and the directors arecommited to exposing and revealing how children becomevictims because of actions as well as non-actions inthe protection of children. It is my hope and it shouldbe everyones' hope That DCFS in the state of IL be exposedand held accountable (no matter what their lame excuses are)for their lack of competence in overseeing and supervisingthe children they place and entrust to(fst/adpt parents)as these children have NO ONE ELSE LOOKING OUT FOR THEIRWELLBEING EXCEPT DCFS. Too many children fall through themany holes in this system; and their lives are ruined.Many children in fst care suffer abuses of all kindsincluding sexual abuse and because of an entire system thatis broken and corrupt no doubt,are abandoned to suffermost times silently and are not able to help themselves.To say DCFS needs to do better is an understatement.This case is a criminal case that will be prosecuted incourt. The father is the alledged criminal here; not the wife,even though many have pointed out behavior not in orderfor a foster mom by any stretch of the imagination.The biological children are not responsible and shouldbe left out of this altogether.(they are no doubt sufferingtheir own private hell as this is their father on trial).This case will be judged by whatever evidence the statehas on the defendant AND NOTHING MORE. I am sure thatthere has to be more to this case than one can imagineas the accused would not be facing a criminal trial.People need to let the court system present evidenceto the jury and the fate of the accused will be UP TOTHEM. Mr. Gaskill's GUILT OR INNOCENCE IS NOT GOING TOBE DECIDED by what his WIFE DID OR DID NOT DO.Mr. Gaskill is the DEFENDANT not his wife, so enoughalready of hanging her out to dry, and let the legalsystem do its' job. Also, DCFS I'm sure will have a lotto explain in this case, maybe even in court.The focus on this blog needs to shift to a intelligentdiscussion about child welfare and all the pitfallsand failures of how thosands of children in everystate do not always wind up in a home that they trulydeserve and for ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.

The girl watching the children in the Gaskill household was 17YO at the time she was in charge of the adopted and foster children. She was John's GF. The Restaurant is Lalo's on Oak Park Avenue. I cannot believe that the Gaskills continue to be able to garner support for any of their 'issues'. Unlike many of the 'supporters', I will not name call but am in awe of the ease with which you continue to be duped and manipulated by M.G.

I agree with everything about IL DCFS continually failing children in are state. The many children that have suffered in abuses of every nature including death in some cases is disgusting and deplorable and can no longer continually be swept under the rug in IL. DCFS and IL state government on every level needs to start putting in to place new laws, guidelines and strict criteria that DCFS workers must follow and FOSTER PARENTS need EVALUATIONS that DETERMINE: 1. Are they qualified to even be considered and licensed ( this should be determined after a stricter standard of investigation and case worker study is completed that also studies the motivation of a couple desire to become FOSTER PARENTS to begin with.) 2. Once they are approved as Foster PARENTS there should be a required group meeting or seminar of newly licensed FOSTER PARENTS to attend with professionals such as Psychologists, Directors that have proven to be experts in the field of the many issues that a foster family may encounter with integrating a new family member or members into their home and with their extended families and friends. If the FOSTER PARENTS have bio-children in the home, the professionals need to address the issues that may surface initially and issues that may arise at different times and give examples of the best way to handle them. It should also be stressed THAT THERE WILL BE UNANNOUNCED VISITS as well as talking in private with a foster child that is old enough , and even bio-children in the home, especially if they are the same age or close in age to a fst.child. The FOSTER PARENTS also need to know THAT the PRIVACY of a foster child's life SHOULD NEVER BE SHARED OR SPOKEN ABOUT INCLUDING BIO-CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THE HOME. BREECH OF A CHILD"S PRIVACY SHOWS LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE CHILD AND CAN DESTROY A CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM ( I f ever brought up to them by other children in school situations as other children may hear adults (parents) that were told and have information learned from the foster parent themselves) Perhaps if the Gaskill family were held to higher standards (no matter the snow job they are capable of doing so well) THE children could have (should have) been removed from the home and their FST, Care LICENSE REVOKED.

Yes we must remember to stick to the facts. 1.) Robert Gaskill is being charged with a crime not Mary. Any information regarding Robert I'm sure will be greatly appreciated. 2.) Robert has admitted guilt. It does not matter how he did it. He did it. He was not beaten or denied basic human needs as he was not at the police dept. long enough for that too happen. 3.)DCFS should not be allowed to place any children in the care of any Gaskill family member. 4.)We all need to remember the judges name at election time. She has showed favoritism in this case before knowing the facts. 5.)We do not have to fear Mary's wrath right now. She has been told by her lawyer to be on her best behavior. She cannot afford to use her old tricks against people. Now is the time to let your name be known. This is important for the sake of the girls. 6.) Let us not judge the real family as we don't know anything about them except for what Mary has said and we now know that it may not be the truth. 7.) Actions speak louder then words. Do what you say you are going to do. I for one will be there on Thursday to support the girls and they will know who I am. Mrs. F. N.

I also am going to be there tomorrow in support of the girls. I believe he admitted guilt and I believe this whole case is so very terrible for everyone…but now it needs to be about the girls, they need support.

I agree with everyrhing the above blogger Mrs. F.N., Mr. Gaskill (presumed innocent), however, everything including a confession which now is being denied; and blamed on a corrupt police department in RF that according tothe Gaskill family and supporters lied to the state attorney office to set him up to be charged with twoserious class x felonies against two minors because theyalso made up all the evidence they also gathered in themonth prior to his arrest. RF police can stand proudly ontheir own merits. Rf police dept. and investigators areprofessional and have never had any criminal throughcorrupt practices make a false confession; as well asmaking up facts revealed through a investigation tofalsely arrest someone because we are a small town andwe need a little excitement as we do not have any othercrimes (serious in nature) ever happen in our small town.

I am glad some or alot of people who she will recognizeattend court on behalf of the girls and show the judgethat people in the community know and believe the girlsare not lying and stand behind them as many know theentire sad life these girls led in a home that theyshould have been taken out of a long, long, time ago.I have chosen to be pro-active by giving info with myidentity revealed to the state attorney office, the judge,and the current director of DCFS. I am a nurse and workthe night shift, so my contribution will be continuallyhelping the girls in other ways as I have already have.There are alot of people who are supporting the girlsthat the family will not recognize and have said theyare going to court to support the girls. If you are oneof those people reading the blog and can attend courtplease do, as alot of us hope the girls are representedand supported as they really are on their own as they havebeen their whole life and deserve to know that peopledo care and value their life and want justice served on their behalf. The statement about not judging the real familyis true but please for people who do not view "ADOPTIVEFAMILIES AS REAL FAMILIES" try to undrestand that theGaskills legally adopted these girls (NOT FOR LOVE BUTFOR CONTINUED CHECKS IN THE MAIL FROM THE STATE EVEN AFTER ADOPTION) really were their real family onlythey are not what "REAL ADOPTIVE FAMILIES ARE TRULY LIKE"My family is an adoptive family(and we went through a long but necessary process) and brought our dear childrenhome as infants; and I can tell you we are a REAL FAMILY.My children are the sun the moon and the stars to usas well as every member of both sides of our extendedfamilies. DCFS should have made sure these girls fromthe start be placed into one of the thousands of childlesscouples who even apply to be fst. parents in the hopesthat perhaps a placement will eventually lead to anadoption and give them the "FOREVER FAMILY" they havedreamed about. ADOPTIVE FAMILIES ARE REAL AND NODIFFERENT THAN A BIOLOGICAL FAMILY. ONE IS NOT BETTERTHAN THE OTHER-JUST TWO DIFFERENT PROCESSES.THE TWO GIRLS SHOULD OF HAD THE RIGHT TO BE IN A LOVINGREAL FAMILY THROUGH ADOPTION AND BE THE SUN, MOON,AND STARS, GROWING UP HAPPY AND ENJOYING LIFE WITHTHEIR REAL FOREVER FAMILY. EVERTHING THEY HAVE ENDUREDWAS A TOTAL NIGHTMARE PERPETUATED BY DCFS. THE GASKILLSHAVE NO CAPACITY TO LOVE ANY CHILD BUT THEIR OWN BIO-CHILDREN. HOWEVER, SINCE MONEY (THE TRUE OBJECT OF THEIRAFFECTION), WAS THEIR TRUE AND OBVIOUS MOTIVATION;THEY MERELY BORDERED THESE GIRLS. IT WAS APPARENT TOTHE GIRLS AND EVERYONE ELSE ACCEPT DCFS. THE GIRLSDESERVE TO HAVE JUSTICE PREVAIL AS JUSTICE WAS NEVERA PART OF THEIR YOUNG LIVES THE MOMENT THEY WERE PLACEDINTO THAT GREEDY MONEY DRIVEN HOME.

Todday's status hearing on Robert Gaskill events: Prosecution laid out charges of alledged abuse of two minors after drinking episodes ( specific abuses of the girl,s were given)

Defense attorney asked and was suceesful on JUDGE LOVE granting two requests. 1. Gaskill will have a longer electonic leash as it can go off when he greets visitors or does laundry in the laundry area.

2. Gaskill will be allowed to attend his youngest bio-daughter's upcoming graduation from college. (side note: This is the bio- daughter the same age as Missy, who the though adopted was not afforded the priviledge of attending a college and even live on a college campus ) 3. Gaskills had their usual supporters but THIS TIME COURTROOM HAD A LARGE NUMBER OF SUPPORTERS THERE ON BEHALF OF SUPPORTING THE GIRLS.

4. Next court date will be in June.

Once again Judge Love gives Gaskill a break to attend the upcoming Graduation of the youngest bio-daughter (same age as MISSY). Also, this daughter was the daughter that always was able to participate in many activties, parties, social family outings while Missy was relegated to stay home with her sister even when older.

I think because Missy was denied so many of the things listed above, Gaskill should have had the tables' turned and see what it is like to miss a event you want to be a part of. I for one will be writing and pointing out all the times Missy and Amber were notallowed to be at many activities before and AFTER THEIRSO CALLED BOGUS ADOPTION. Who signed an order for themin those instances? Who signed the PERMISSION slip forMissy to be able to be on a TRAVELING SPORTS TEAM thatshe was NOT ALLOWED because the bio-girl the same agedid not MAKE THE TEAM. Mary would NEVER LET MISSY EVERDO OR BE INVOLVED IN ANYTHING THAT HER PRECIOUS BIO-DAUGHTER could not be in or GOD FORBID MISSY OUTSHINEDTHIS BIO-DAUGHTER. ALSO, MISSY WAS EVEN BRIGHTER THAN THE BIO-DAUGHTER IN SCHOOL (MARY HELD MISSY BACK A YEAR-NICE TRY).THESE GIRLS MAY HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BUT THE GASKILLS NEVERIN A MILLION YEARS WOULD PAY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.THE GIRLS PAID WITH THEIR LIVES (money received from the state before and AFTER ADOPTION to these so calledloving parents) FOR EVERTHING THE BIO-CHILDREN RECEIVEDINCLUDING HIGHER EDUCATION. SADLY, THEY LITERALLY PAIDWITH THEIR LIVES BY BEING EXPLOITED, MISTREATED, ABUSED( as well as a sexual abuse (ALLEDGELY TO SATISFY THEGOD SQUAD) their ENTIRE LIFE and WERE DENIED A NORMALHAPPY CHILDHOOD IN THE PHONY LOVING HOUSE OF HORRORS..THE GASKILLS.

Just Curious… If all you bloggers seem to have been witness to these actions and seem to have inside knowledge… Doesnt that make you acomplices? Why did you hide the facts and evidence you seem to have? The girls both have serious mental defects from their birth family who abused and abandoned them. The Gaskill family put them on a great path and gave them a great life they never would have had from their birth family… Both girls were tossed out of college for inapropriate behavior and then they decided to go back to their bad blood family and suddenly these allegations came out! Hmmmmmmm… I heard the DCFS as well as many counselors and tudors were at the house at least 5 times a month every year… yet upon interviews and counseling the dcfs and childrens group counselors said the girls were in excellent physical condition… and their severe mental problems from birth were under control. It makes you wonder, but like all these other posts…ANONYMOUS, Lol… It really doesnt matter what any of us say does it… AS Far as wondering why reporters may not call you back…LOL… I couldn't find A. Noymous listed in the phone book!

Judge in Gaskill case needs letters explaining how the two girls were denied their whole life many activities that the so called Adoptive Family EXCLUDED and DENIED the two girls to attend from the time they were little (did not know any better) to teen years and up in MISSY'S CASE. Apparently, this judge did not see that by allowing someone with 2 counts of a class x felony comitted on two minors for HALF their life ( INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY), and that the state has strong EVIDENCE as he still is in custody (prosecution wanted him to stay in jail)that the priviledge of going to church and the doctor is about as much leway he should get. REASONS BEING: 1. the charges he has been arrested and indited by a grand jury. 2. He should get a taste of his own medicine, as not only is he an alledged sexual predator of two minors; who heand his wife CHOSE TO ADOPT ONLY when there was a threat of thethe girls be taken back by the first agency to seekadoption placement of the girls.(ages 6 or 7 for MIssy,4 or 5 for Amber).Somehow they were able to switch agenciesto a catholic agency in Niles and eventually adopted thetwo girls ( so money would continue to flow). So, reallyat some point in both the girls lives he was alledgelyabusing two legally adopted daughters (he could care less for).The medicine that this judge (if she knew the life these girlswere forced tom live) should have served up to show Mr.Gaskill what it is like when you are DENIED TO ATTENDsomething you would ver much like to PARTICIPATE IN.This judge needs letters signed by people just like theprevious letters describing what many know and witnessedthe girls being denied being a real part of the familyeven though this greedy couple adopted them. Adoptivefamilies everywhere are so digusted and sickened thatadoption was even allowed to a couple that should neverhad the priviledge of doing as these children NEVERwould be LOVED and GIVEN THEIR HEART AND SOUL as adoptive parents like any other parent (THERE IS NO DISTINCTION FOR THOSE THAT THINK ADOPTIVE FAMILIESARE NOT REAL DUE TO THE PROCESS FAMILIES GO THROUGHTO BECOME PARENTS (AND THE CHILDREN ARE NOT A RESULTOF THE BIRTH PROCESS). THIS CASE IS EVERTHING THAT IS WRONG WITH DCFS and a EXAMPLE OF A COUPLE THAT WERE REALLY CONTENT WITH BEING BIOLOGICAL PARENTS UNTIL THEIR THRIST FOR MONEY WAS QUENCHED BY MAKING FST/ADP CARE AN INCOME THEY COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT!

You are SO wrong in what you have written. Your statements are FALSE. You have been spoon-fed your comments likely by MG (or one of her minions) who, I thought, was told by her lawyer to be on HER BEST BEHAVIOR.

I CHALLENGE YOU-STAND UP AND GIVE OUT YOUR NAME AND I WILL GIVE MINE——–

April26 3:21PM FYI bloggers who witnessed and heard the many examples of unfair and unjust treatment of the girls, have all admitted( thinking of it again after these serious allegations) That they should have reported what bothered them; butmany gave DCFS too much credit at that time, aand thoughtthey surely would pick up the quirks and odd behaviorjust dealing with the couple; and that the girls wouldgive information themselves. (I do not believe they wereever spoken to without Mary there) and if Mary was therethey could not speak as hell knows no fury like whenMary Gaskill is exposed for the witch that she is andalways will be.The girls were not physically abusedas babies. Unfortunately, the abuse happened in the womb as the mother was an alcholic. The father was a drug abuserwho Mary let everone know including Missy that he diedof a drug overdose. The mother sought temporary helpwith the agency in Oak Park, Hebzabeh SP?.Mary was supposed to have them short term, but the mothercontinued having difficulties and allowed the girls tobe in a foster home with the hope of reuniting with themwhen she was able. Unfortunately, that did not happen andthe girls were allowed by their mother to be adoptedas her life obviously continued on a downward spiral.Too bad they were not adopted into a truly loving home.If you call beinrg verbally, mentally, emotionally abusedand sexually ( he did confess); being given a great life and a great path, I would hate to see what a BAD PATHwould be under their care. If the girls went to a collegeit could not have been a college with substantial tuitionas the girl that is graduating from college went on face-bookher first or second year begging for donations toward her tuition as she said her parents were in financial difficulty.I personally do not go on face-book, but my daughter anex-friend does, hence the information. It is likelythey went to a local junior college and perhaps theirinappropriate behavior was their way of acting out fromthe horrible childhood they endured and being olderfinally realized they needed to confront their abuseras their abuse was the source of their real problemsthey could no longer deal with and act like nothingof that nature happened to them.If DCFS went to the home 5 times a month in recent years andrendered them physically and mentally stable (as you saythey were not), then DCFS continued the mistakes and failurethat DCFS made their whole life. You just provedthat DCFSaccording to you is a joke by finding what the Gaskillsspin on the girls (MENTALLY DARANGED) not to be true anddid nothing to help them. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM…perhapsthat explains how and why DCFS never saw the phoniesthe Gaskills were and allowed them to be licensedand how they thought the girls were fine growing up.Only back then the Gaskills did not find fault with themas DCFS fell hook line and sinker for the ruse they wereso good at that clearly benefited them and not the girls.GEE funny how now they can't understand how DCFS said thegirls were ok and offered no help with their problems.As for running away, that is the BEST THING THEY EVER DIDFOR THEMSELVES. The allegations came out because FINALLYTHE GIRLS WERE FREE OF THE GASKILLS AND NO LONGER FRIGHTENEDBY THEM. IT ONLY PROVES THESE GIRLS ARE BRIGHT AND BRAVEAND NOT MENTALLY INCOMPETENT AS THE EVIDENCE THEY PROVIDEDRESULTED IN THEIR ABUSER TO BE ARRESTED AND INDITED ONSERIOUS CHARGES. JUST BECAUSE HE IS OUT ON HOUSE ARRESTDOES NOT LESSON HIS CHARGES. HE WOULD NOT BE ELECTRONICALLYIMPRISONED IF HIS CHARGES WERE NOT VIEWED SERIOUS ENOUGHTHAT HE NEEDS TO STAND TRIAL FOR.

News reporters have responded………LOL Tribune last Sunday exposed DCFS failing children in Day-Care throughout the state of IL and how little and in many cases do not monitor and investigate gave numerous reasons why DCFS needs MAJOR REFORM BECAUSE IT TOTALLY IS AND HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS.

I sincerely doubt if DCFS is not going to be EXPOSED FOR THE ABSOLUTELY DEPLORABLE care ofchildren that DCFS places in homes and FAILSTHESE CHILDREN MISERABLY.

People on this blog have and do reveal their identity tosources they contact and will continue to do so.DCFS is the one that does not return calls……what a surprise!

LOL other media sources have and do respond…….It is just a matter of time for DCFS FOSTER CARE PROBLEMSARE EXPOSED and this case has alot of EXAMPLES HOWCHILDREN SUFFER AND THAT DCFS IS CLUELESS ANDBECAUSE OF THERE MANY FAILURES CASES LIKE THISHAPPEN TOO OFTEN AND TOO MANY HOMES.

April 26 3:41 PM YOU REFERRED TO THE GIRLS AS GOING BACK TO THEIR BAD BLOOD FAMILY. WHAT A HYPOCRITE. YOU AND YOUR BUDDIES ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE POSTING EXPERIENCES WITH THIS GOOD BLOOD FAMILY ARE SO "JUDGEMENTAL" AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. YOU JUST PROVED HOW JUDGEMENTAL YOU ARE AND YOU NO DOUBT HAD THAT STORY SPUN TO YOU BY THE SPIN WEAVERS THEMSELVES. THE GIRLS ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS WORLD OR EVEN THIS NORMAN ROCKWELL TOWN OF RIVER FOREST FOR THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN WERE BORN TO A MOM THAT UNFORTUNATELY DRANK DURING HER PREGNANCIES. THERE ARE CHILDREN IN ARE OWN COMMUNITY THAT HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME FATE BEFORE THEY WERE BORN (NOT THEIR FAULT EITHER). I SUPPOSE THEY COME FROM BAD BLOOD FAMILIES TOO…OH WAIT A MINUTE THEY LIVE IN SUCH A IDYLIC NEIGHBORHOOD THEY DO NOT COME FROM BAD BLOOD FAMILIES. TALK ABOUT BAD BLOOD FAMILIES, MARY GASKILL HAS A FAMILY SHE CAME FROM. SHE HAS ON MANY MANY OCCASIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES BY HER WORDS (HATE MAIL ONE OF HER FAVORITES) AND ACTIONS (SPREADING FALSE LIES AROUND FOR PEOPLE THAT CROSSED HER THE WRONG WAY, OR PLAIN DIDN'T LIKE) MADE LIFE MISERABLE FOR NEIGHBORS ON HER BLOCK, CALLS THE POLICE FOR THE MOST TRIVIAL MATTERS WASTING THEIR TIME TO EVEN TAKE A REPORT OR LISTEN, RUIN AN INNOCENT PRIESTS' LIFE BY FALSE ACCUSATIONS OF A SEXUAL NATURE, LOST A JOB AT HER FORMER CHURCH FOR QUESTIONABLE AND DUBIOUS BEHAVIOR, DRINKS LIKE A FISH AT HER FAVORITE WATERING HOLE, ANDTHE LIST CAN GO ON AND ON WHEN YOU THROW IN EVERYTHINGSHE DID OR DID NOT DO RIGHT BY THE GIRLS,AS WELL ASHER LEWD BEHAVIOR WHEN SHE IS SMASHED AT HER AND HERHUSBANDS FAVORITE MARGARITAVILLE….ON AND ON.SHOULD WE ALL GO AROUND AND SAY SHE CAME FROM A BAD BLOOD FAMILY TOO? I WIIL LET YOU DECIDE.IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE IT A CONTEST OF WHICHFAMILY OF THE GIRLS HAVE BAD BLOOD, I VOTE FOR THEGASKILLS. THEY ARE NOTHING THAT THEY HAVE WANTEDEVERYONE TO BELIEVE ABOUT THEM. IN SHORT, THEY ARENO WHERE NEAR BEING THE ALL AMERICAN FAMILY THATNORMAN ROCKWELL PORTRAYED OF AMERICANS ON THE FAMOUSCOVERS OF THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. SORRY THEY ARENOT OZZIE AND HARRIOT..

I know for a fact neither girls were thrown out of school. Missy was, as far as I understood, doing great in a community college until she disappeared. I never knew why she so abruptly left. I also understand that Amber left school and was not allowed to return to the Gaskill's home. All these allegation of the girls having severe mental defects surprised me for I knew both these girls growing up and neither seemed to be struggling in school. In fact Missy was in a few honors classes with some of my children in high school. Hearing that they were both in court yesterday makes me feel great, they are showing the aren't afraid of their so called family anymore.

To April 26 3:26 Your statements are EXACTLY was what MG has told everyone for years. I really tend to BELIEVE IT IS YOU MG that posted the blog. I and many others have heard YOUR BAD BLOOD THEORY for YEARS. NO one in there right mind is buying your BAD BLOOD THEORY EITHER; (many wonderful people in my life were born to ALCHOLIC parents) and some of them even have struggled with alchol addiction themselves. I guess they have BAD BLOOD and should be shunned and revieled by others as those of us that did not have that life experience are sooooo much SUPERIOR because we have "GOOD BLOOD" running through are veins. If we want to EQUATE ALCHOL ABUSE WITH BAD BLOOD than count YOU and YOUR HUSBAND IN THE SAME CATEGORY. It is common knowledge that you and your husband have been seen many times consuming and putting away alholic drinks in a restaurant the two of you have frequented for years and even were seen SMASHED many times, as well as very unlady like behavior on your part, once even coming out of the lady's room with ballons filled with water and putting on a little show that insinuated the ballons were a male body part (if you get my drift). You thought it weas hysterical; others thought you in your inebriated state, were perveted and SICK and DEFINETILY NOT FUNNY. Want to still talk about BAD BLOOD? The TRUTH is MG is that as soon as the girls were finally young adults they were FREE from YOU (and your BAD BLOOD) to get out of DODGE and THINK FOR THEMSELVES! WOW for two UNSTABLE GIRLS they were ABLE and SUCCESSFUL IN SEEKING PUNISHMENT (with more than enough EVIDENCE) to have the man that abused them; YOUR HUSBAND (you know..THE ONE WITH THE GOOD BLOOD JUST LIKE YOU) to have a warrant signed by the state attorney for arrest and now stand trial for (I'm sorry) for two class X felonies of two minors for more than half of their your young lives. The girls'choice to leave your EVIL home was the BEST THING THATEVER HAPPENED and THANK GOd they are OFF OF THE GREATPATH you and your sick husband created for them as itwas a path paved with pavers that each represented,and can be counted, as the many times these girls weretreated unfairly, disrespected, not valued, not loved,abused verbaly, mentally, emotionally, and whilesuffering all of it, they were suffering silently a painthat they could not reveal until coming of age…you know the reason your husband was in jail and isstill imprisoned no matter how you cut it as the courtonly electonically monitors criminals standing trialfor very serious offenses; and that is not FREEDOMno matter how you cut it. One more thing; if I neededa blood transfusion and your family and the girls familywere a match..I DEFINITELY would want the girls familyblood as having alcholism and even drug abuse from bad choices and becoming addicted as many familiesunfortunately go through sometimes at one point in theirlives; does not hold a candle to the bad BLOOD LINEin YOUR FAMILY. One more thing, if the girls came fromsuch a bad bloodline, why were you so bent on adoptingtheir little sister (who you told everyone that she did not have FAS at birth as the mom learned from her mistakewith the other two girls)? AFTER ALL, SHE HAS THE SAMEBLOOD RUNNING THROUGH HER VEINS. THANK GOD SHE IS OUT OF YOUR GOLDEN PAVED PATH YOU PROVIDED HER SISTERS WITH.

I attended court and the girls were so STRONG and I think the supporters that showed up fir them BOLSTERD THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE and I think went a long way to show them that people are there for them and will CONTINUE to be therefor them for the DURATION of the trial and even after. THe girls glanced and saw me and though they and I locked eyes for a moment; I was so glad I attended court as I could tell the support they were able to have (FOR THE FIRST TIME INTHEIR ENTIRE LIFE), really meant the world to themand in the long run will only continue to give themmore courage as they pursue the JUSTICE for themselves;and now realize they are not ALL ALONE and PEOPLEBELIEVE THEM and WANT JUSTICE SERVED ON THEIR BEHALFas they are and have told the TRUTH no matter what the GASKILlS GO AROUND SAYING AND LYING ABOUT THEM.THE TRUTH of the girls will drown out all the LIES as it stands to reason that law enforcement did their job with an investigation that revealed evidence and TRUTH in the case that their ABUSER is standing trial for.The biting fetish story was admitted to the police by the offender, even though he and his wife and new attorney are denying it and making it sound like the police twisted his words around to solicitate such a sick statement.Also, the Gaskills can say all day long they fired their first attorney; but her asking to be recused of representing him points to her knowing (he professed guilt) that she could not represent him any longer with the knowledge that there was a confession and no doubt asked him point blank when she took on the case and at some point in the very begining she heard it from the accused herself. This attorney, no doubt has heard this from the horses mouth because if she would no longer be able to defend him as well. Kelly Sago is a good criminal attorney with a good reputation and she did what she had to do as she was after all on the scene to begin with and was able to get facts from the police and the defendent himself.

DEAR TRUE BLOOD, I tend to believe and FEEL IN MY HEART that you are either the girls or the whole family together thanking all your SUPPORTERS that ARE IN your CORNER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE. THOSE of us that KNOW you two girls (some from the time you were little), others in your teen years in high-school and after graduation know you two have been so continually thrown under the bus by these deplorable people; yet they have not SUCCEEDED IN BREAKING EITHER ONE OF YOU. REMEMBER YOU ARE THE STRONG ONES,

THEY ARE WEAK AND BOTH COWARDS as when confronted with their total DISREGARD, RESPECT, and their many UNFORGIVEABLE ways that they treated and ABUSED THE TWO OF YOU YOUR WHOLE LIVES; AS YOU KNOW BETTER THAN ANY OF US, there ONLY DEFENSE IS TO MAKE UP THE MOST VICIOUS LIES AND make sure they round up PEOPLE that (MANY NEVER KNEW YOU GROWING UP) that are so sure everything the Gaskills say about the two of you MUST BE TRUE because as you already know (WE WIIL NEVER REFER TO THEM AS PARENTS TO YOU AS WE KNOW THEY NEVER WERE) they are VERY CAPABLE OF FINDING WEAK MINDED ADULTS THAT FALL FOR THEIR LIES INITIALLY and BELIEVE every word and lie that their DELUSIONAL MINDS make up to DEFEND themselves when ever real facts come out that cast dispertions on their real character. Most of these people believe as you know that this family walks on water as they have always used religion as a shield to hide behind, rather than actually live in reality as people that are religious quietly do, drawing no attention to themselves as a true relationship with the Lord is personal and only requires keeping your faith in GOD sacred in your life.

Keep your faith sacred and know that GOD MADE YOU AND LOVES YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS. GOD IS ALREADY SHOWING YOU HE KNOWS YOUR SUFFERING AND IS WORKING AS HE OFTEN DOES USING OTHER PEOPLE AS GUARDIAN ANGELS TO WALK BESIDE AND SUPPORT AND PROTECT YOU FROM EVIL. YOU GIRLS ARE MORE THAN WELCOME (I am taking the liberty of speaking for all of us who support you) AND WE ALL APPLAUD YOUR DETERMINATION AND EXTREME COURAGE TO MAKE SURE THAT JUSTICE IS SERVED. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU IN EVERY WAY WE CAN BESIDES GOING TO COURT AND STAND WITH YOU. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AS WELL AS YOUR WHOLE FAMILY…

THE GIRLS WERE SO SMART TO GET OUT OF THAT HOUSE. IT WAS THE ONLY WAY THEY COULD MUSTER UP THE TREMENDOUS COURAGE IT TOOK TO CONFRONT AND EXPOSE THE ABUSE THEY HAD TO SUFFER FOR MORE THAN HALF THEIR LIVES. IT IS VERY COMMON THAT ONCE AWAY AND NO LONGER AFRAID AND MANIPULATED BY THEIR ABUSER CHILDREN THAT FINALLY COME OF AGE AND REALIZE THEY ARE FINALLY FREE THEY ARE ABLE TO REVEAL THE HORRIBLE SECRET THAT THEY WERE FORCED TO CARRY AROUND BECAUSE OF FEAR OF CONSEQUENCES, MANIPULATION AND MIND GAMES BY THE ABUSER THAT IN THEIR CLUTCHES RENDERS THEM PARAYLIZED WITH FEAR ALONG WITH THE SERIOUS BURDEN OF MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY BURDENS THAT ARE LIKE CARRYING AN ELEHPHANT ON THEIR BACK WITH NO END IN SIGHT. THANKFULLY, DESPITE THE SPIN THE GIRLS ARE STUPID AND TOTALLY OUT OF THEIR MINDS, AND VICIOUS LIARES SPREAD AROUND TO EVERYONE MG COMES IN CONTACT WITH, THE GIRLS ARE BRIGHT, STRONG AND DETERMINED TO RECLAIM THE LIVES AND CHILDHOOD THAT WERE TRAGICALLY STOLEN BY A MERE COWARD WHO NEEDED TO HAVE CONTROL SOMEWHERE IN HIS PATHETIC LIFE AS WELL AS SICK FANTACIES FULLFILLED. MG CAN SPIN AND THROW OUT THESE STORIES AS MUCH AS SHE WANTS. NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND IS BUYING IT EXCEPT FOR ALL THE OTHER RELIGIOUS FANATICS THEY NOW HAVE WORSHIPPING THEM AND HOLD ON TO EVERY LIE THAT COMES OUT OF MG'S MOUTH AND DELUSIONAL THINKING. SOONER OR LATER OR MAYBE NOT (DEPENDS HOW GULLIBLE THEY ARE) THEY TOO WILL SEE MG FOR THE CONTROL FREAK AND PHONY SHE IS; AND HER HUSBAND FOR THE COWARD HE IS AND IS ON TRIAL FOR. HOW LONG DID MR. AND MRS. G REALLY THINK IT WOULD TAKE FOR THESE BRIGHT GIRLS TO FINALLY SETTLE THE SCORE?

MG IS TOTALLY INCAPABLE OF GOOD BEHAVIOR. THE FACT THAT LYING SO PROFUSELY ABOUT THE GIRLS CHARACTER, MENTAL STATE, INTELLIGENCE AND EVEN LYING THAT THEY WERE KICKED OUT OF THE JR. COLLEGE(sidenote: NOT SURPRISED MISSY AND AMBER BOTH WENT TO A JR. COLLEGE, BUT BIO KIDS DID NOT AND EVEN LIVED ON CAMPUSES), FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR (which the girls never engaged in any way shape or form in grade and high school). How guillable besides your BFF religious nut jobs, do you REALLY THINK PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT HAVE KNOWN YOU FOR YEARS ARE? People that know you, know that you are so good at lies that you actually really believe them. Maybe that accounts for people initially believing your lies, YOU ARE SO GOOD AT IT! Also, for those that did not have a child in Missy's grade and high school years, MISSY was VERY BRIGHT. My own child had two honor classes with her but MG would NEVER willing volunteer how well MISSY was doing as her bio kid (same age, but MG held MISSY BACK A YEAR BECAUSE SHE WAS SPECIAL NEEDS DUE TO FAS WHICH MG USED AS AN EXCUSE TO KEEP THE GIRLS FROM BEING IN THE SAME GRADE IN SCHOOL), was not in any honor classes and that is fine; but MG could not give MISSY the credit she DESERVED as that would make the bio kid feel bad that she was not in honor classes. (Personally, I do not think it would bother the bio kid as she seemed very content and self confident) So clearly this was just a problem for MG as her need to hold the bio kids accomplishments far and away came first and whatever MISSY and AMBER accomplished was not recognized or applauded. Despite MG not recognizing MISSY's INTELLIGENCE many of us parents were aware of it; and it is NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE AND CAN NOT BE DENIED ANY LONGER BY MG AS MISSY AND AMBER TOO, ARE SHOWING JUST HOW INTELLIGENT THEY ARE AS WELL AS DESPITE MG's EFFORTS ARE SELF ASSURED AND CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO BRAVELY COME FORWORD AND WERE VERY POISED YOUNG LADIES IN COURT YESTERDAY. GIRLS IF YOU ARE READING THE BLOG, WE WHO SUPPORT YOU AND BELIEVE IN THE TWO OF YOU, YOU BOTH CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND ON AND YOU HAVE ALREADY PROVED THAT TO MANY OF THE ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT ARE PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU COMING FORWORD WHILE KNOWING MG WOULD PUT YOU BOTH IN THE GUTTER. GUESS WHAT GIRLS? MG'S REPUTATION PRESEEDS HER AND NO ONE BUT THEIR GROUPIES ARE BUYING IT. SO, THAT THREAT IS OFF YOUR SHOULDERS AS TOO MANY OF US IN THE COMMUNITY KNOW HOW SHE WORKS THE CROWD ON HER BEHALF WHEN SHE NEEDS OR WANTS TO SO THE TWO OF YOU ARE NOT ANYWHERE CLOSE TO A GUTTER SHE AND HER HUSBAND AND GROPIES ARE.

Dear Rally and Crabbina, I personaly would like to thank the two of you for your advocay for children in state care fst. parenting and adoption atrocities, and reporting and educating many people like myself that knew DCFS was not so great, but had no real idea how DCFS in the state of IL is so broken and corrupt. I have had my eyes totally opened wide as the Gaskill case is in my community and I like many others have become involved in supporting the two girls at the heart of this case. Many of our hearts are broken as a lot of us knew the girls at some point in their lives and some for there entire life. It pains us to think about what burden these girls have been carrying around all by themselves for years. We are grateful they have put their burden down into the hands of the court where it should have ended up a long time ago. However, I have read this forum and not just the blog; and I now have knoweledge that I did not have before. Many sexually abused children have and do come forword as young adults or even older. It makes sense as when they are living in a home with the abuser, they have so many fears instilled in them including Why would anyone believe them over an adult they believe is superior not only to themselves but others. Also, like these girls, in many of these type of cases fear and manipulation are major in a young child's life as well as all the way to young adulthood especially if they are living with their abuser. I intend to become active in our state in any way I can to expose DCFS and their failure to protect innocent children that never have a say, or are responsible for the circumstances in their life that from the very start are totally at risk as it is like a crap shoot at who ends up carrying for them. Some children are lucky if they get a great home but the number of abuse cases in IL is staggering and proves most children are set up for a horrible childhood with abuse of all kinds even when the people like the Gaskills SEEM like the children would be safe there. IN the Gaskill case many knew this family was not quite right, some witnessed unfair treatment, others verbal and mental abuse but none of us seperately or collectively took it upon ourselves to become busy bodies like MG and did not report our concerns as we truly put to much trust into DCFS finding out how odd the family dynamics were and did not know that children remain silent for many obvious reasons about their treatment in daily life and if they are victimized sexually they suffer silently and alone, Most victims finally get the courage to come forward once they are no longer in the environment, while many children never get the courage and live all their lives with a wound that really never has a chance to heal because it still is inside of them and not out in the open. I believe the reason MISSY disappeared and Amber got herself kicked ou of the home was the reason they could be finally brave enough to come forward. Those of us that knew yhe girls at various times in their life are so proud of them and we proudly support and will continue to support them. If it was not for this REFORM blog, the girls and the community could not have been joined together to seek justice for these two girls that suffered way too long. THanks for all you do on behalf of children everywhere

TRUE BLOOD: I send my love and support to the two of you, I am so very proud of you, you two have grown into courageous and very smart young ladies. I am sending you two a big hug. You two are in my prayers, and I have every confidence that you two will only get stronger and just like you were yesterday, remember you are and always will be stonger than the coward facing trial. He and MG can not hurt you any longer. Let them keep throwing everything but the kitchen sink at you; and look them both in the eye with the real truth: You girls know the truth and I and others totally believe the allegations you had to make to set yourself free and make this be a huge turning point inyour lives. You both can be and do anything you want to do;I for one always knew the two of you to be bright,sweetand very kind. I hope at the end of this ordeal you bothwill be able to receive restitution from the state ifpossible and file a law suit against Mr and MRS G, no amount of money can undo the pain you suffered andyour lost childhood and innocence; but it can help youstart over and pursue educational goals or whatever itis that will make you happy..

Keep the faith of GOD in your heart and soul. Like the footprint prayer he has carried you both all of your life and is still carrying you through this time in your life. Remember also, many people are supporting you and will be there for you each step of the way. Love to you and your family. I'm sure they are very proud of you and please know that I and many others know your family may have had some problems, many families do. The important thing is that they are there for you, and together with God's help you will make up for the years you were apart; and working together you can and will find happiness and if any problems exsist or arise; the two of you will know not only know how to handle it, but are strong enough to deal with anything and be a real strength to whoever needs your help. Just so you know,there is no such thing as bad blood.. just bad people. P.S. IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE RADIO STATION K-LOVE ON FM RADIO (A WONDERFUL CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN STATION) There are many songs that have lyrics that you can totally identify with. I thought of the two of you the other day, there is a song called STRONG ENOUGH.(forgot the artists name),please look it up on the computer and read and listen to the lyrics. Listen to k-love whenever you can as the station has helped many people including myself in hard times and reminds you to celebrate the good times as well.

Reading this blog and information that has been forthcoming from the blog since people started giving their brutally honest about Mr. Mrs. G, it has been become thankfully, and very apparent that the two of them put together equal adults that were very comfortable exploiting children placed in their home sadly by DCFS. THe information particularly that MG and people just like her, is and has been is nothing more than a complete slander case of the two girls that the couple had the nerve and were allowed to be adopted. MG has been continually lying about these girls their whole life. Even now, she and her "CHURCH LADY GROUP" are lying through their teeth about these two girls. If one was sucker enough to believe her vicious lies one would think and be led to believe that these twogirls were severely impaired in not only their mental status but theirintelligence as well, all the while telling people the girls were sohorrible in college and were thrown out for INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORand were two girls with such serious problems due to their "BAD BLOOD"line as supposedly were so impaired from the affects of their momdrinking while she was pregnant, and these girls are and always willbe damaged by FAS. THe truth is the girls are NOT mentally impairedor lack good character and INTELLIGENCE as she would like everyoneto believe. If the girls had any mental and emotional problems ever;it was because MG and her hen-pecked sick husband caused thesegirls so much harm that it would be impossible not to becomedistressed, depressed and experience emotional problems somewherealong the way. THe girls carried so much heartache and no doubtextreme stress and internal suffering; it is amazing how they wereable to come through it and now as young women be not only extremelyable, but very strong and intelligent to expose the horrible abuse(that the abuser inflicted on them for more than half their life) on top of the other many abuses and unfair and mistreatment theyhad to deal with that MG was more than capable of, adding moremisery and suffering in their lives.The fact that MG has lied and does lie ( she truly believes her own lies)now about how horrible and severely disturbed the young girls areis a desperate woman's attempt to take the focus off her despicablehusband and the very strong possibility that the crimes he is accusedof and has had his freedom taken away from him as he faces serious chargesthat very well (if and when convicted) will be going to jail for a very long time).MG has become even more of serial liar and really expects everyone to buyall the trash she (including the bad-blood) according to her, explains howher husband is in the trouble he is in today.Missy was in honor classes in high school, very congenial and kind (my sonknew her well) and to think her so called mother has never given herany credit and actually wants everyone to believe she was kicked outof the Jr. college (also doing well there due to her extreme mental problemsand deficiencies. Amber quit school right after MIssy did the right thingand left that crazy house as the only way she could finally expose theaccused she could not live there any longer. Amber, was no doubt awareof her sisters' reasons and plan and knew her sister loved her and theirlittle sister, and left school and her loving wardens kicked her out of thehouse. Thankfully, Amber knew what to do and where to go and alsofinally was free from these two sick people.If this does not prove THE INTELLIGENT, RESOURCEFUL,COURAGEOUSAND HEALTHY STATE OF MIND THESE TWO GIRLS HAVEDEMONSTRATED ; I DON'T KNOW WHAT DOES!

HEY APR.26 3:21 PM SHOCKING! DCFS after COUNSELING and TUDORING the girls 5 times a month-every year found the girls doing fine , and YIKES! Their SEVERE MENTAL PROBLEMS from BIRTH were DEEMED UNDER CONTROL? Of course it makes you wonder aboutDCF'S COMPETENCY Hmmmmmmmm, Lets get this straight, these girls (though totally mentally unstable with serious PROBLEMS) of COURSE SINCE BIRTH, DCFS did nothing to help the girls; because they just could not see their serious disturbances and rendered the girls fine physically and mentally? HOW DARE THEM NOT SEE WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN AND WITNESSED BEFORE THEY LEFT HOME.THE GIRLS WERE JUST SO RIDDLEDWITH SO MANY PROBLEMS.The truth is and must kill you that despite every way you disparaged and degreated these girls,(telling everyone in the community, even in front of them) with your constant continual criticism of the two girls; they both progressed wellin grade school and high school doing quite well, and in MISTYS'case proved to be quite bright; even being placed in honorSclasses. The girls also were not trouble makers in gradeor high school, or acting out with INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.Nor, did the grade or high school detect SEVERE MENTAL PROBLEMS that would have precluded them from staying in schoolUNTIL DEEMED MENTALLY WELL. ALSO, in both school districtsthe district would have paid and provided for theireducation to continue in a day program downtown for children struggling with various mental conditionsand receive treatment so they could resume their educationback in their regular school. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN BECAUSETHE GIRLS EACH WERE PROGRESSING WELL WITH THEIR INDIVIDUALEDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND NOT MENTALLY UNSTABLE. It seems now that your husband is in trouble, you are so UPSET and DISTRAUGHT that DCFS basedon what you have stated, after numerous and intense tudoringand counseling, DID NOT SEE WHAT DISTURBED GIRLS THEYWERE; LIKE YOU WANT EVERYONE AND THEIR BROTHER TO BELIEVEBECAUSE AFTER ALL, THESE GIRLS ARE SO DISTURBED ANDALWAYS WILL BE, BECAUSE OF THEIR BAD BLOODLINE THATTHEY ACTUALLY LEFT A VERY HAPPY LOVING HOME (WITH I'MSURE A ROYAL BLOOD LINE)AND THE PATHETIC PATH YOU WORKEDSO TIRELESLY TO ACHIEVE FOR THEM BECAUSE YOU WERE SODEDICATED AND A TRULY AMAZING LOVING MOTHER TO THE GIRLS.HOW COULD THEY POSSIBLY WANT OUT OF SUCH A LOVING ENVIRONMENT AND LEAVE AFTER ALL YOU DID SACRIFICING EVEN YOUR OWN LIFE AND YOUR CHILDRENS' FOR THEM? ALSO, EVERYTHING YOU DID TO MAKE SURE THEY COULD OVERCOME THEIR MANY DEFICIENCIES AND MENTAL INSTABILITY AND HAVE A REAL SHOT AT WORKING AT MCDONALDS THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. ON TOP OF EVERTHING "YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND DID FORTHE TWO OF THEM", they still are so mentally incompetentas well as delusional coming forward to fabricate theaccusation of being sexually abused and even producingcredible EVIDENCE out of a magical "rabbits" hat theythey found on that wonderful PATH you toiled and sweatedon paving for them their entire lives.Where is everyone that knew it was the girls'that were so disturbed and pathelogical liars as well?GEE, it seems all people can remember is a home wheretwo girls suffered and never had a normal childhood,and were abused in ways that have been referenced onthis blog, and all the while behind closed doorssuffered abuse that the girls have finally been able toseek justice for by providing the state with enoughevidence that the accused is standing trial for.Why don't people realize how many very serious problemsthese girls have; besides being so unintelligent thateven an honor student required tudoring five timesa week for years? Why aren't people coming forwardsurely with one or two experience of mental instabilityfor one or both the girls? The SILENCE IS DEAFINING.

To april 26th. 12:08p.m. and others, the girls were never adopted by the Gaskill family. That is what Mr. and Mrs. want you to think or have told you. Do the research on that if you need proof. Unfortunately it was not even close to being a real family for them. It was just a way station untill they could be united with their real loved ones.

DEAR Mrs. F.N., I am Apr 26th 12:08 PM, I am totally blown away. I just read your message that the girls were NEVER ADOPTED BY THE GASKILLS.Mary and her husband (the other liar),told everyone a long, long, time ago the girls were adopted and the girls even used the GASKIL NAME IN SCHOOL. They have a high-shool age boy that has been with them since a baby and say they adopted him. The boy has been returned to the home with two other chidren they claim to be have adopted as well. This was shocking for me to read about the girls not being adopted but I am NOT SURPRISED as the two of them are very comfortable lying and I really think after awhile they are both so deliusional that they BELIEVE their own lies. The two of them both said they adopted the terminaaly ill girl that passed away. The obit provedother wise and listed her legal last name, her biological parents name and listed Mary and Rob as the FOSTER PARENTS.You have just confirmed what I and many people have always believed. Many of us myself included, always thought the Gaskill was just a boarding house, or way station as you put it and NOTHING MORE. The Gaskills WANTED people to BELIEVE their ADOPTION SPIN to elevate themselves even more. After all, people would admire them more as they adopted the children (because they LOVED THEM AS MUCH AS THEIR BIO CHILDREN; as THAT IS WHAT THE HEART OF ADOPTION IS ALL ABOUT. LOVE IS THE REASON TO ADOPT A BABY OR CHILD PERIOD. THIS is so TYPICAL of what a SERIAL LIAR MARY IS (AND ROB AS WELL). THE ADOPTION STORY now than I think about also served as a cover-up of sorts. People that think the state STOPS SENDING MONEY EVERY MONTH to FST PARENTS IF A CHILD IS ADOPTED are out there as they do not know how DCFS works in cases of children that are considered special needs when adopted by FST. PARENTS. THE FACT IS THE GASKILLS KNEW PEOPLE WOULD THINK THEY WERENOT IN FOR THE MONEY IF THEY CLAIMED TO BE ADOPTED PARENTS OF A CHILD OR CHILDREN. People do not know that even though a child is adopted in fst care the parents STILL GET PAID. The Gaskills knew people knew that when children are in FOSTER CARE with SPECIAL NEEDS THAT THEY WERE PAID A TIDY SUM OF MONEY PER CHILD TAX FREE. The GASKILLS OBVIOUSLY WERE PULLING ANOTHER OF THEIR MANY SELF-SERVING LIES AND BASKED IN THE ADULATION THAT BESIDES HAVING FOUR BIO CHILDREN THEY JUST HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR CHILDREN AND THERE LIFE WOULD JUST NOT BE COMPLETE IF THEY DID NOT EXPAND THEIR FAMILY BY ADOPTINGTHE FOSTER CHILDEREN THAT WERE IN THEIR CARE, AS THERE COULD NOT BEAR TO BE WITHOUT THESE CHILDREN IN THEIR LIVES EVEN HAVING FOUR BIO CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN.THE TWO OF THEM MAKE ME SICK. MARY IS OUT THERE LYING THROUGH HER TEETH THAT THE GIRLS ARE LYING AND HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS THAT THEY WERE BORN WITH FROM THEIR BAD BLOOD FAMILY. WHAT A CROCK MARY. ALL THE LYING YOU HAVE DONE AS WELL AS YOUR HUSBAND PROVES WHO THE REAL LIARS ARE AND MENTALLY UNSTABLE. YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ARE MASTERS AT PUTTING ON THE DOG WHENEVER YOU WANT OR HAVE TO.YOU BOTH DUPED MANY PEOPLE WHO FINALLY REALIZED THE LOW LIVES THE TWO OF YOU ARE LONG AGO. WHY WOULD YOU EXPECT ANYONE KNOWING WHAT YOU TWO ARE REALLY ABOUT AND WHO YOU REALLY ARE BELIEVE THAT ROB'S INNOCENT PLEA IN COURT IS NOT A LIE. ROB LEARNED FROM THE QUENN OF LYING HERSELF AND IS MORE THAN ABLE TO LIE WITH A STAIGHT LOOK ON HIS FACE. PROBLEM IS, BEFORE HIS ATTORNEY ARRIVED WHEN ARRESTED HE VOLUNTEERED INCRIMINATING STATEMENTS INCLUDING THE "BITING FETISH" STORY. WHY ELSE DID HE GO TO JAIL AND IS FACING CHARGES FOR THE COWARDLY SEX ABUSER HE IS?THE FACT THAT YOU TWO WANTED EVERONE TO BELIEVE YOU WERE ADOPTED PARENTS IS A SLAP TO EVERY WONDERFUL LOVING PARENTS AND CHILDREN THAT ARE ADOPTED FAMILIES EVERY WHERE. THIS LATEST EXPOSED LIE IS NOT GOING TO HELP ROB TO HOLD ON TO HIS CHURCH CHIOR ROBE AND YOUR FAKE SET OF WINGS.

APRil 30 12:41 St. Luke priests know the outrage parishioners EXPERIENCED because of you MARY with your SICK AND FALSE ALLEGATIONS, AS THEY WERE APPAULED AND SICKENED BY YOU. YOUR SICK MIND WAS WORKING OVERTIME DREAMING UP A WAY TO TRY TO DESTROY A WONDREFUL YOUNG IMMIGRANT PRIESTS LIFE. I'm SURE the PRIESTS know about the blog and no doubt read about how many people know how very sick you are and how by giving examples how you and your sex abuser husband could not AND DID NOT RESPECT THE YOUNG LIVES THAT HAD EVERY RIGHT TO BE TREATED WITH LOVE RESPECT AND HUMAN DIGNITY. CHILDREN ARE INNOCENT AND THE MOST VULNERABLE OF THE VULNERABLE; and this blog is really about PEOPLE WHO KNOW BY YOUR LYING AND ABUSIVE HOME THAT CHILDREN WERE NOT RESPECTED; AND EVERY INSTANCE YOU MISTREATED, ABUSED VERBALLY AND MENTALLY AS WELL AS SEXUALLY TWO INNOCENT GIRLS GROWING UP THEIR ENTIRE CHILDHOOD AND DENYING THEM DIGNITY AND RESPECT NNO DOUBT ARE GLAD PEOPLE ARE COMING TO THE GIRl's AIDE BY SUPPORTING THEM EVERY WAY THEY CAN AS THAT IS WHAT WE AS ADULTS NEED TO DO FOR CHILDREN THAT HAVE OR ARE VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND IN THIS CASE NEED SUPPORT AND LOVE ,RESPECT and DIGNITY THEY NEVER RECEIVED THEIR ENTIRE LIFE THRU NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN; JUST THE WORST POSSIBLE DECISION OF PLACING THEM IN A HOME THAT ONLY RESPECTED THE PAYCHECK RECEIVED BY A STATE AGENCY, DCFS, THAT TOO MANY TIMES FAIL CHILDREN LIKE THEY DID IN THIS CASE. FYI: INVESTIGATORS NEED TO CHECK OUT INFORMATION GIVEN TO THEM BY PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG THAT HAVE AND DO REVEAL THEIR IDENTITY TO THEM PERSONALLY, THEY HAVE HEARD THE St. LUKE DEBACLE AND ALREADY HAVE CHECKED OUT THAT INFO AWHILE AGO, so don't WORRY ST, LUKE AND THE CHICAGO ARCHDIOCESE VALIDATED ALREADY THE TROUBLE YOU CAUSED AND YOUR HUSBAND LOSING HIS JOB AS PUBLISHER OF THE CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER THE NEW WORLD THAT WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF YOUR VICIOUS LIE AGAINST A PRIEST THAT THE ARCHDIOCESE INVESTIGATED AND QUESTIONED ALL PARTIES INVOLVED AND CONCLUDED THE ALLEGATIONS WERE FABRICATED BY A VERY DISTURBED WOMAN.THIS BLOG IS NOT ABOUT FUN FOR ANYONE TO READ AS THE READING MATERIAL WEAVES WHY AND HOW TWO GIRLS WERE FORCED TO SUFFER IN A BOARDING HOUSE RUN BY TWO GREEDY PEOPLE THAT ONLY SAW DOLLAR SIGNS INSTEAD OF TWO GIRLS WHO NEEDED AND DESERVED A LOVING HOME WITH LOVING PARENTS.

TRUE BLOOD Just found out reading this blog, that the two of you never were really adopted by the GAskills. That is great news for you as you will not legally have to have your last name changed to your biological family. Great news. You are now finally free of them in every way, including freedom of a name that is and will never be a name that can be worthy of respect because of the horrible way the two of you were treated and never repected you whole lives.

Stay strong and know many people in the community are and will be there for you and by getting DCFS to explain how they let the two of you suffer in a home that never really was a home that you both deserved to grow up in and have a HAPPY NORMAL CHILDHOOD.

MG, I think you better make good on being on your best behavior as your husbands attorney advised you (reported on this blog) We all know how hard it is for you to behave… so try staying off this blog and chiming in (so apparent). THe blog really is now a community blog that has joined many people together to be there and SUPPORT the girls as they never received SUPPORT from you and your family in the sense of being loved and a real part of a loving home like you tried so hard for many to believe including ADOPTING THE TWO GIRLS and it is now in the open that that was another one of your many LIES that you told very matter of factly, I might add, to everyone you knew and knew the girls. It takes a village to support children that have been so horribly treated and abused plus criminal abuse as well, to help those children when they were forced to suffer their whole life in a home where none of us would want a pet flea to live in.The blog does reference you and your husband because after all you were the adultsthat are totally responsible for along with DCFS yourpartners in crime.

I am so happy the girls are finally reunited with their biological family and I wish them well reclaiming their life and rebuilding a family relationship with family and have a true new beginning with their whole biological family who no doubt suffered as well for the girls having to be in foster care. The girls are smart and resourceful (look at what and how they have sought justice for themselves) and I'm sure will be a real help and inspiration showing their family that it IS POSSIBLE TO CONFRONT ADVERSITIES and RECLAIM LIFE with COURAGE AND DETERMINATION.

I do commend all parents who adopt for the right reasons. To love and care for a child and provide them with a family that they may otherwise not have. They truly deserve the right to be called parents. May God bless those people and keep them in his care so they may continue to care for the children that need them. Its just too bad DCFS doesn't do its homework as it should to find them.Mrs. F.N.

Hey Apr 30th 12:14 PM Guess what? Everyone that has written about their unfortunate experiences witnessing abusive verbal language to the girls, mistreatment, unfair rules that only applied to them, talking about the girls private information that you had no right to share as well as very odd family dynamics that were baffling and left many people ill at ease with being around witnessing some or all of the unsettling behaviors listed above are not all St. Luke parishiners. Many many people that had the priviledge of knowing everthing listed above and probably more than St. Lukers, have chosen to share their discomfort at some point in a friendship with this family that as it evolved over a period of time, they too realized that this couple was not who they thought they were; and in fact were very uncomfortable witnessing the many ways the girls were treated overtly as well as in sutle ways that were obviously not in line in how any child or children be treated by their parents or parent.There is a large faction from Calvery that also have felt a need to voice the many reasons they grew disturbed with this couple and the parenting of what they professed "their adopted daughters". If it was not for this blog many people from both church communities would still be falsely believing the girls were adopted daughters into this family. This revelation is just the icing on the cake. Although nothing tops the abuse that the accused is now standing trial for and has lost his freedom for by being on house arrest and electronically monitered to makr sure his freedom in society is no longer a priveldge for him due to the very serious nature of the crimes a grand jury indited him for.I'm sure the elders at here at Calvery church if reading this blog are not having "FUN" with the examples given about how many in the Calvery community have shared to give further information on their experiences and some just feeling something was not quite right or off with this couple and now know exactly what it was and that their intuition was correct. The two church communities different in religious doctrine and practices both share and are sadly connected as both communities suffered damage from the Gaskill couple. Mary left St. Luke as she had no choice; and the same thing happened at Calvery when she was suddenly asked to leave by the church eldrers who ALL SIGNED OFF ON. The two communities both were baffled with the unfortunate behavior of MG and both have many people they left behind with less than respectful feelings for the way they parented their UNADOPTED DAUGHTERS THAT ALONG WITH ALL THEIR OTHER LIES AND BEHAVIOR NOW ADD UP TO A HOME THAT WAS FOR THE FOSTER CHILDREN NOTHING MORE THAN A BOARDING HOUSE THAT THE CHILDREN PAID WITH THEIR LIVES AND WELL THE GASKILLS….SIMPLY CASHED IN ON THE STATES' CHECKS EVERY MONTH AND ACTUALLY REAPED THE BENEFITS OF THE CHILDRENS' MISERY. THIS BLOG IS NOT IN ANY WAY A "FUN" BLOG or "FUN" READING FOR ANYONE UNLESS YOU ARE SOMEONE THAT DELIGHTS IN READING ABOUT THE GROSS AND DESPICABLE BEHAVIOR THAT HAPPENS TO TOO MANY CHILDREN THAT DCFS FAILS AND DOES NOT PROTECT.

The only reason the Archdiosese is and has been discussed on this blog; is DUH…..MG totally showed how really sick her mind was and is when she made false allegations against a priest at St. Luke that was a blatant lieand even slander that caused the church and the Archdioseseto have an investigation that questioned all partiesinvolved including FATHER PAUL RYCHER(who is nobodys' fool)and of course MG herself and concluded no merit in herfalse accusations and I'm sure between themselves renderedher a sick woman with serious issues and no doubt prayedfor her and her family that were from the time this all became common knowledge people were distressed and totally mystified how low MG went down with her vicious lying; and MG knewshe would never be able to live what she did down(she tookoff ASAP and landed at Calvery where she caused a lot of internal trouble and was such a nosy body and irritatedmany people that were not part of her unknowing fan club.Again, she got herself in serious trouble having to dowith financial matters and was released from her positionand she never went back to Calverly either as once againtheir was the same element of problematic and seriouscharacter and mental issues that presented themselvesonce again that people were astonished and baffledof the behavior in each instance that did not put MGin good stead with many in the church community.the Catholic church as well as Calverly can onlyevaluate the character or lack of character thatcaused troubling circumstances in their church community,and can only verify that her departure was due totroubling and disturbing circumstances that MG and MG alone caused and brought trouble to both churches withSt.Luke being the worse.These two examples are examplesof MG and her lying problems and even in Calverys casesomeone who could no longer be trusted in the positionshe held as again her character or lack of characterbecame a problem of trust and credibility.The court system is now the judge of what kind of homeparents, and treatment of the two girls as facts thatwill show how indeed this was a home that has all theear marks of a home where the dynamics were such thatsexual abuse can and does happen, The state already hasmade a strong case of the abuse that the girls haveexposed; otherwise the accused would not be facing atrial of not one but two class X felonies against hisunadopted daughters and standing trial for.It goes without saying that the two churches that MGcaused trouble enough to have to leave, as well aseveryone on the planet can make their own jugementabout morality annd child abuse.Anyone that can mistreat,abuse a child or children has no values and absolutelyno morals and lie and pass themselves as people thatlive their life according to their professed faith inGod our NOT ONLY LACKING MORALITY BUT ALSO LACK HUMANITYto abuse children and in this case no scruples whatsoever.Thank God for these girls breaking their silence as….yes every church, priest, pastor, and members of thecommunity at large (even the people on the jury) can conclude that people that can and do abuse childrenlack morality and even a sense of conscience…how can people like this live with themselves,lookin the mirror and sleep at night while abusing achild or children that are totally helpless yettotally dependent on them???

Anonymous April 30 with regard to adoption records: They would be sealed to the public so we can't verify that. Only the Gaskills and hopefully the girls would know for sure. Even after adoption, the adoptive parents still get money from the state.

Rally At some point the prosecution during their investigation, the state attorney office will no doubt be checking with DCFS on their involvement with the supervision and responsibility of the welfare of the girls so won't they be able to know if the girls were adopted by the Gaskills or not according to records and of course the girls themselves? You did state that the in this case (can not use the words adpt/pareents) the imposters of parents of the girls (either way), if they indeed adopted the girls at some point, it was because at one time when they were a little older the original agency in Oak Park and DCFS were considering placing the girls that could very well give them the opportunity to be adopted, and the imposters immediately somehow switched to a catholic agency and were able to remove themselves from the Oak Park agency, and in time supposedly adopted the girls. The only reason if they did adopt the girls or any other children was to INSURE THEY COULD NOT BE ADOPTED OR placed in another foster home were there would be likely parents that would have wanted to adopt the girls. The imposters are not stupid, if they did not make a move to adopt, the threat of the girls being adopted by parents that were qualified and waiting to become parents could or would have happened leaving them without the paycheck every month so if indeed they really did adopt the girls or ANY other children the motive was not because they loved the girls or children so much, that they could not bare life without them. The motive is crystal clear, they knew if they adopted the money they so greedily collected each month would still be coming in from the state and that IS WHAT THEY COULD NOT PART WITH AND BARE. Mrs. F. N, if you can shed more ligh on this adoption question it would be appreciated.

The Gaskills are and have been SCAMMERS their whole life. If there was a threat or they felt one of these children or in the girls case could be placed in a different home and their money would dry up, they would run so fast to find a attorney to make sure their money source (the children) could not be removed to KEEP THEIR BIG BUCKS COMING IN. To even be referred to to as adoptive parents is sickening. Adoptive parents go through so many channels to fulfill their dream of becoming parents and together with their children are examples of the true meaning of what LOVE IS AND LOOKS LIKE. I for one will be referring to these selfish money grubbers, child abusers, and the accused pervert as what they really are and have always been "FOXES" IN SHEEPS CLOTHING that in their DISGUISE PREY ON INNOCENT CHILDREN AND GO UNDETECTED UNTIL THEY ARE CAUGHT WHEN THEY ARE FINALLY HUNTED DOWN AND EXPOSED FOR JUST HOW DANGEROUS THEY ARE. MR AND MRS FOX ARE YOU LISTENING?

Dear TRUE BLOOD, IF the two of you were legally adopted by the Gaskills; begin now, if you already have not, legal proceedings to get rid of that last name as soon as possible. However, perhaps if you really were adopted (which means the Gaskills accepted and vowed to be parents to the two of you in every sense of the word parent); attorneys may advise you to wait until the trial is over as I imagine the fact that they would abuse and mistreat you girls on so many levels, while legally being your parents, (although just as reprehensible as fst. parents), it could help you be even more sucessful to receiving money from a civil law suit against them as it makes them even more despicable to have adopted you girls so the money from the state would not stop coming in every month while you girls received nothing but suffering from many abuses, of course the worse (although the abuses are all horrible) the sexual which you suffered even before you were adopted as well as after. DCFS is responsible as well, I would think the state owes you both restitution for failing you miserably as well. Perhaps, the state can also seek to retrieve money that this couple clearly should have never received and sue them as well to gain money back and make sure the money is given to the two of you for the suffering and abuse you had inflicted on you, and were forced to carry around silently as these people were an are very able to frighten and manipulate children as they did to many adults that experienced the viciousness and sick behavior were intimidated enough to get away from MG as she clearly has a serious mental disorder that she even had before the two of you were even born. The Gaskills are afraid of the IRS for a reason. Your attorney she probe why that is and find out exactly their net worth if they are hiding money and claim they have no savings in accounts or investments. They also own a home that if needed they will be forced to sell if they need to satisfy a settlement that is reached on your behalf as compensation ( no dollar amount could make up for all you suffered), for the mistreatment and abuse they inflicted on the two of you and even were paid for their despicable false parenting as well. Hopefully, the prospect of restitution and or a settlement from a law suit has been discussed with you, and you ultimately receivemoney that you deserve and can use pursuing higher education,as well as a savings account to start your new life as young adultsto be there for you to use as you need to to.I truly believe and hope you can sue and receive money as youclearly deserve it and you have paid with your lives beingruined while the Gaskills were paid each month for simplyboarding the two of you in their house and taking away yourentire childhood. Become pro-active on the issue of law suitsas I do believe you will be able to to receive a settlementthat you both deserve and can use as you move forward in reclaiming your lives and rebuilding a future that younot only deserve as you have paid a huge price withliving through a nightmare of a childhood. Much LOVE and PRAYERS

I did not know that if you adopted a child that was a foster child, you would receive money still from the state. I really thought that when the Gaskills adopted or said they adopted they were truly supporting the children on their own and I believed that their heart was in the right place, as couples that adopt in my experience adopt because of their true love that a child could benefit from as well as living in a loving home with parents that love them as their own. I now know that was not the case here, and it is sad that these children were really a business in a sense that paid them generously for caring for the children. It really is sad, and does not speak well of this family as they obviously were and are something they are not. PARENTS.

TRUE BLOOD, There seems to de a debate on this blog regarding if an adoption ever really did take place withthe two of you girls.As far as you changing your last name as you as you can if it was legaly changed to Gskill; you could get advice on perhaps the timing of you doing so. In the meantime, nothing can stop you from simply not using the name or writing it. I would think now that you are finally free of them even having to carry their last name is burdensome, so if it is legal you don't have to give it any part of your life and use if you are not already, your own family name which will be another step away from removing these people of "ROYALTY" from your lives.

May1 4:47PM THE GASKILLS ARE THE ONES WHO BROUGHT RELIGION INTO THIS FROM THE START. THEY USED THEIR CURRENT CHURCH BUDDIES TO CRAM THE COURTROOM AND WRITE LETTERS ABOUT HOW THIS RELIGIOUS MAN IS BEYOND REPROACH AS HE IS THE PERFECT FATHER,FAMILY MAN AND HIS MORAL CHARACTER EXEMPLIFIED BY HIS STRONG FAITH COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE IN QUESTION,AND THAT THERE IS NO WAY HE COULD HAVE ABUSED THE GIRLS. THESE SAME PEOPLE ALONG WITH MG HAVE ACCUSED THE GIRLS OF BEING LIARS, MENTALLY INCOMPETENT, AND COME FROM A BAD BLOOD LINE, AND THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE ACCUSER ARE THE WORK OF SATAN DOING HIS BEST TO ATTACK THIS MAN WITH ALLEGATIONS FROM TWO VERY UNSTABLE GIRLS. NO ONE ON THIS BLOG INCLUDING A CHURCH OR CHURCHES HAS EVALUATED ACCORDING TO ANY CHURCH BELIEFS OR DOCTRINE ANYTHING ABOUT THE QUESTION OF MORALITY OR LACK OF MORALITY. INSINUATING THAT HISTORY HAS REFLECTED HYPOCRISY BY ANY PARTICULAR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION IN EVALUATING MORALITY AND IT IS BEST TO KEEP RELIGIOUS EVALUATION OUT OF THIS DISCUSSION AND CASE IS ABSURD AS NO CHURCH HAS OR WILL MAKE A STATEMENT AND IF THEY DID, THEY WOULD LIKELY RESPOND THAT THEY ARE PRAYING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS CASE,AS THIS CASE HAS IMPACTED AND IS CAUSING SUFFERING FOR A ENTIRE FAMILY (IMMEDIATE AS WELL AS EXTENDED).I HARDLY WOULD FIND THAT HYPOCRITICAL AS CHURCHES AND PASTORS AND PRIESTS IN ANY DENOMINATION BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH, PRAY FOR ALL THAT ARE INVOLVED AND REALIZE THAT THERE IS EITHER GUILT OR INNONENCE, AND EITHER WAY THERE ARE AND WILL BE NO WINNERS, JUST MANY PEOPLE THAT WILL NEED SUPPORT AND PRAYERS TO GET THROUGH WHATEVER THE OUTCOME AS A CASE LIKE THIS WILL IMPACT AND HAVE LASTING AFFECTS FOR A LIFETIME. THE JURY WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER NOT ONLY EVIDENCE BUT BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THIS CASE CHARACTER, VALUES AND MORALITY WILL HAVE TO BE DETRMINED AND NO DOUBT WILL ENTER INTO THEIR DECISION AND AFTER THE DECISION IF THEY HAVE AND PRACTICE A FAITH THEY TOO WILL PRAY FOR ALL INVOLVED, AS THIS CASE IS TRAGIC AND AS STATED EARLIER, HAS ALREADY AND WILL HAVE LASTING AFFECTS ON EVERYONE INVOLVED.

May1 4:47 PM After reading your comment about leaving the church out of any discussion as well as religious evaluations of morality because history has reflected the inconsistencies and hypocrisy of these institutions? Your remark uses the singular word church and not churches. The implication your statement makes is nothing but a snyde remark directed at the Catholic church.(and no doubt Catholics) Reading between the lines you are really singuling out the Catholic church and have tried to INMPLIY that the Catholic Church doctrine and faith has had a HISTORY of being INCONSISTENT as well and is a INSTITUTION of HYPOCRISY. Really? Then everyone that is CATHOLIC and practices their faith is therfore a HYPOCRITE along with their FAITH and CHURCH? The implication is that other "CHURCH DENOMINATIONS" do not have any history of HYPOCRISY in their particular domination and religious beliefs. This snyde comment, is like the pot calling the kettle black.

The pastor of ST. Luke church despite the problem and uproar NEVER ASKED MARY AND HER FAMILY TO LEAVE.

Mary chose to leave in quick order and was amazingly able to embrace a different church faith group. Mary and her husband are now very comfortable bashing Catholics and thinks (disturbling) that all Catholics are hypocrites and evil. Ironically, her husband when he was Catholic would bash the very people that are an have been in their new faith groups as nothing but "HEATHONS" and wanted nothing to do with them and as he put it "THEIR BIBLE THUMPING" mentally and Christian faith that was phoney and sickening. Also, whoever wrote the remark that prompted this blog, you can DENY ALL DAY LONG YOU WERE NOT REFERRING AND SINGULING OUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, if you truly were a person of faith and truly believe in GOD you would realize that people of most other denominations all have in common is obvious A TRUE BELIEF AND THE FAITH IN GOD.

Wow…so much hate in these posts. Rally can obviously see the IP addresses of all who comment. I would bet that the same 3 or 4 people are constantly commenting. Does anyone doubt they have an agenda? What if Rob is innocent? Is it possible? Yes. If he is guilty, then I hope he is punished, because what is alleged is terrible. Is Mary G. perfect? No, she is a sinner saved by Grace. There is such hatred in the posts. When the time comes, do you, the posters want to be judged as harshly as you condemn Mary? I don't know if the things said are true or not, but I can identify evil. Many of the comments seem to be evil. I could be wrong, but I would bet that there is an agenda for all who post here. My agenda is…what if someone who is innocent, gets judged by people who really don't know the facts and is assumed guilty? Does that seem fair? I think not.

DCFS provides and funds a variety of financial and non-financial benefits after adoption or guardianship, including subsidies for families who adopt waiting children or become guardians of children in DCFS care. Subsidy agreements are entered into prior to court finalization of adoptions or approval of guardianships and begin after the adoptions (adoption assistance agreements) or guardianships (subsidized guardianship agreements) are finalized.Subsidies may include any or all of the following:

*Ongoing monthly payments equal to what the child's foster care payment was, or would have been.

*Medicaid card to cover medical expenses not covered by family insurance or other public resources.

*Counseling services for the family and child, if needed.

*Therapeutic day care.

*Reimbursement for costs associated with the adoption or guardianship, such as attorney fees and court costs, with a maximum reimbursement for non-recurring expenses of $1,500 for adoption and $500 for guardianship.

One of the biggest issues that needs reform in the foster care system is postplacement monitoring after adopting from foster care. There is NO monitoring whatsoever yet all foster-to-adopt parents receive $ from the state they adopted from EVEN IF they MOVE to another state. Obviously there are no human resources to track these kids.

The person that thinks that people who have been reporting on this blog are evil regarding the Gaskill case is equating outrage with evil as people have felt compelled posting their own individual experiences with this family because after the arrest happened recalled their interaction with this family over periods of time, led them to be so unsettled in the way the girls were treated ,and so much so that many had to severe ties with the family.

People are not evil for revealing their relationships and experiences thatthey have shared, as adding it all together it does not take a genius to realizethat there was something off and not right with the parenting of these girls.Many people have become active in their support of the girls in many ways,including showing up in court on their behalf, and sharing how this familywere not the people they wanted everyone to believe, and of course thetreatment of the girls that troubled them as well as their disgust withDCFS for failing to pick up on the unhappiness of the girls, and not followingup and supervising;including unannounced visits that might have beena game changer for these two girls being placed in a different home.If evil is what people perceive that have supported the girls basedon what they witnessed and know to be true, as well as the bafflingbehavior that Mary acted out over the years as well as her husbandon many occasions belittling Amber and rendering her an "idiot"and other disrespectful comments, makes everyone evil that have

felt they needed to express real facts that make this a home thatmany believe could have really been a home dysfunctional enoughfor what the girls have charged the defendant with, and the girlsgave enough supporting evidence that caused his arrest andis on trial for. Yes, he is INNOCENT until proven GUILTY, but thefact that people have come forward with supporting the girlsdoes not as already stated make them evil, it makes them concerned citizensthat feel compelled to express their experiences; that put togethercan shed light on the way the girls were treated and the homenot being what many people believed it to be.There are times in life you need to help and share what you knowas in this case as the girls really are on their own and needpeople to come forward to help back up what they no doubthave had to share about their childhood.If the people that think this blog is truly evil for supporting the girls,and not the Gaskills, by sharing what they believed the girls sufferd,sheds light on how the girls were treated unfairly and verbally abusivethen DO NOT READ THE ENTRIES AND THEN WHINE ABOUT HOWPEOPLE COULD POSSIBLY SHARE THEIR UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCES WITH THEGAKILLS ARE EVIL, BY ALL MEANS, THEN SHARE ALL THE TIMES THE GIRLS BEHAVEDINAPPROPRIATELY, LIED THROUGH THEIR TEETH AND WERE SO MENTALLYUNSTABLE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT EVEN BE WALKING AROUND ON THE STREETSAND ATTENDING COLLEGE AS WELL.WE WILL BE WAITING.

If Mr. Gaskill is proved to be innocent, people and the adminstrator of this forum will be happy that justice is served, just as if he was found guilty. The forum is and has been about experiences that people have had, witnessed,heard, seen first hand for themselves what they know as true facts that are not consistent with any one that is a parent. In this case, reports are about both of these parents as wll as individually.The reports are negative as negative behavior was unfortunately imposed unfairly on the two girls. Disparaging words about the girls heard often at different times by different people has not helped people believe this was a happy home for the girls either, and put together does lead to the question of could all this add up and possibly lead to the abuse that the girls charged the accused with? Everyone knows that it will take the legal system to work at answering to Innocence or Guilt. People do want justice to be served;and the facts that people reported about how the girls were treated in the home as well as in public, are not made up or fabricated. People no doubt have felt a need to come forward as perhaps this information is valuable in making sure that facts the girls have had to share about their childhood can be backed up by other people to prove they are not lying if they told authorities the same exact things. The girls have been portrayed by their former family as liars so people just want the record straight that if they had to discuss their childhood there are plenty of people that can back that up. As for the charges, only the girls and the accused know the truth and the untruth. Many have stated they believe the girls are not lying because to make all of this public the girls knew their former family would trash them anyway they could, and unfortunately many in the community were and have been treated unkind by MG; and that is why their unforunate experiences with MG have come out. Is this fair or unfair to MG? The only answer is that because this case has elements that are not flattering to her or her husband in regard to what people experienced with them as fst parents and the experiences of interactions with MG in the community; people have given examples as stated above, and because this case has become high profile in and outside of the River Forest community, it was bound to come out as the case set off feelings that people have had and felt a need to share if it helps give a more detailed picture of what the girls went through and what they are up against. Perhaps, if the former family did not go around after the allegations became public bashing and trashing the two girls so viciously, people would not have become so determined to defend the girls that many have known either when they were younger or in their older teen years in high school. Everyone wants a fair trial,This is a hardship for everyone involved. No matter what happens no one is a winner and no one is a loser. All involved have and are paying a high cost for a case that everyone wishes was not happening; but unfortunately it is. It really is sad on every level and DCFS needs to take responsibility for their part in all of this no matter the outcome. I hope DCFS is taken to task as they were in charge of the girls and this families interaction to begin with.

To WOW there is so much hate on these posts; and people have an genda of some kind…the only agenda is that two girls have suffered in their former home, examples given throughout the forum. People just want to support the girls experiences growing up that people witnessed and feel they need to come forward as the girls need people that witnessed their not ao happy childhood in their former home. The hate that you think is on this forum you have mistaken for disgust and even outrage on the parenting of the girls as well as DCFS and their total lack of supervision on an on going basis, as well as not seeing what people saw as a dysfunctional home with complex due to the personalities of the parents in the home. As far as the things Mary did that caused problems for some in the community has come out as explaining that her behavior was puzzling to adults many times so therfore it stands to reason that her behavior parenting the girls was puzzling and disturbing that had experiences with MG socially and some publicly. Some examples are harsh, but harsh unfortunately was the way MG dealt with many people so the examples are not sugar coated, they are recollections of someone that was difficult and hard to deal with with even the most trivial matters. Mary is not being judged. Her behavior is just beinglinked to her also puzzling and harsh treatment of the two girls in comparison to how she parented her bio children. Mary is not the one on trial. Her behavior could have contributed to a home where perhaps the abuse alleged could or might have taken place, The legal system will have to look at the family life as a whole, but what will find guilt or innocence is the credibility of the evidence or non credibility of the evidence. No one can really predict what the outcome of this case will be. The only thing that people can speculate on is their experiences with this family, and some of the unkind behavior Mary exhibited dealing with people on a personal level often not making sense and sometimes just puzzling and disturbing at the same time. The word hate is being mixed up with the word: Concern. The reasons can be read from the examples, as the heart of this case is really CONCERN for the girls being treated fairly and not trashed by their former family and their friends. People just want the girls to be on even footing with the accused, which means not labeling them mentally disturbed, liars, and worse. This is a heart wrenching case as many people knew these girls one way or another and feel they need tostand up for negative things they witnessed; and thehorrible things the family as said about them sincethe allegations became public.Hope this clears up your perception of hate as apposedto the very strong CONCERN thay people feel they need to express.

The girls would know if they were adopted or not as they would have been in on the process if they were old enough. Does someone feel comforable enough to just ask them. These girls are not vicious in any way and I'm sure wouldn't mind answering that question.

The alleged abuse that the accused is standing trial for took place for almost half their lives; or maybe longer. It stands to reason that the girls were abused while being fst.children; and if they were indeed adopted it is more than likely they were abused as adopted children as well. Someone wrote on this blog that they believed only Misty was adopted and was told that they would never adopt Amber ( go back and read the entry to view what he said) I can't even repeat the horribly mean thing he said about not adopting Amber. If the court along with DCFS allowed only one sister to be adopted and not the other, I find that questionable and despicable as well as these two girls are sisters, and I would think the adoption of one and not the other would not be allowed. If it was allowed, it was terribly insulting to Amber and if true Amber than further suffered more indignity that they heaped on her her entire life. (she was not even a bridesmaid as Misty was when the older bio girl was married) Both girls were treated unfairly growing up, but Amber was treated without question even worse, suffering horrible things said about her in her presence that was cruel and horrible many times. (It makes you wonder what she had to endure in the privacy of the home) Amber's abuse verbally and mentally really stands on its' own as WHY the Gaskills have been vilified by many on this blog that witnessed the abuse and were sickened by it. Amber is a sweet kind girl but as sufferd so emotionally that she developed a speech impediment that the Gsaskills did not insist or go out of their way to make sure she was given the help that she needed other than what the school district provided. If Misty was adoplted and not Amber, I can not imagine how worthless Amber was made to feel and suffer. I really hope that is not what happened, but left to their own devices I totally see how cruel the Gaskills could be if they were allowed to adopt Misty and not Amber.

Note to TRUE BLOOD: If you were both adopted I'm sure you will take legal action to take back your family name when you are able (not sure if you have been advised to wait until the trial is over. Only you two girls and the Gaskills know the truth.In any other NORMAL loving home the TWO of you (YOU ARE SISTERS NO LESS!) would have been adopted together, I really hope the Gaskills have been lying(who knows the truth of anything they say) as then at least you will be saved the trouble of legally freeing yourself from a name that is totally meaningless as we all know they never made the two of you a real part of the family which is shameful whether you were adopted or not. You girls are so strong and AMAZING for after everything you endured most of your lives you both do not have one UNKIND bone in your body. Stay strong and remember many of us who have known the two of you at some or all of your lives support and want you both to have a happy life filled with love that you both deserve being reunited with your family and relatives. One of your MANY SUPPORTERS

I am writing this email on behalf of the victims' and their family. In fact, I am family to the younger sister of these beautiful young, courageous women, Mistee and Amber. I am the Aunt of the younger sister who has been removed from the Gaskills home and Thank God is still not returned to this home as other children have. These girls were placed in this home after a terrible tragedy in their life – the loss of their father and a break down of their mother. There was no abuse going on in that family prior to the removal of the five (5) children of these parents. The mother, after the death of her spouse and the taking of her five children went into a depression and then went to treatment, got a job and a townhouse and began to attempt to rebuild her and her children's lives. Her three boys were sent to a different home and the girls were placed with the Gaskills. Mary Gaskill befriended the mother as a "Christian" woman who only wanted the best for the girls. When the mother worked hard to get her boys back as they were placed in visibly neglectful and abusive homes, Mary stood by telling the mother don't worry the girls are fine her they can stay with us as long as they need to. All the while attempting to convince the mother that she could not possibly take care of five children on her own and planning to have the mother agree to allow adopted of Mistee and Amber. When the mother got visitation with her boys, they were supervised at first through DCFS and she saw the boys were always in old tattered clothes, hair not washed or combed, dirty fingernails, etc. She mentioned this to the DCFS worker on several occasions to no avail, until one day at 2 a.m. she received a phone call from DCFS that the boys were being removed from that home. This type of situation happened on at least two occasions for the boys and ultimately they were going to split the boys up. That is when the mother began a strenuous campaign to get the boys returned ASAP. Conversely, when the mother had visitation with her girls, they were always dressed in beautiful clothes (passed from Mary's biological children) neat, clean and always attending church or church functions. From the outside appearances all seemed to be good for the girls and bad for the boys, two of whom are older than the girls and one who is in between in age. The girls were not allowed to spend time alone with the mother and therefore could not verbalize to her that Mary Gaskill was derogatory about their family, emotionally attacking their lineage and their self-esteem. All the while Mary would be encouraging the mother, I'm so proud of you, your doing so good. But how can you afford to take care of five (5) children and work? In fact, the mother worked hard to continue with therapy and raise her boys, while working nights as a forklift operator and/or dock supervisor. It was not easy, and she was being "dupped" by Mary Gaskill. My niece, the girls sister has suffered the same kind of emotional abuse and family bashing from Mary Gaskill. There is no way that any child should be returned to Mary Gaskill's care. She does not treat the children who she adopts or fosters with the same care that she treats her biological children and further, the biological children also follow "mom's example" and emotionally abuse the other children as well. When clothes are past down, statements like "those were my clothes first, if it weren't for me and my family you would have nothing." It hurts me to hear that these girls suffered this abuse on a daily basis as well as the abuse from Rob Gaskill.

I want to thank all of the ANONYMOUS bloggers who are in support of my step-nieces. I only recently found out about this, how sad the biological family is the last to know. The mother was aware of this for sometime, but again is very depressed that the system has failed her and her family once again. She has had a long time battle with the system and often has felt victimized by the DCFS system. She feels that everyone of her kids has been victimized by the DCFS system and has suffered irreparable harm that they did not and would have suffered had DCFS not removed them from her care, but provided her with assistance such as they provide to these foster families to help her rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. It was not these children's faults that they suffered a tragedy liking losing their father and then having to be removed from their mother. They were young innocent children who loved their parents deeply and whose parents loved and adored them.

I worked in the juvenile justice system in 1993 in the Public Defenders office, the attorneys who are appointed to help the parents. I thought this was an area of law that I might like to work in – what better way to be of service in the world than to be a part of helping restore struggling families be reunited and strengthened? Unfortunately, during my tenure there, I discovered that even though that is what the system was supposed to be doing, in practice they are all working independently focusing on the micro (their job) rather than the macro (their mission) to restore the family. DCFS workers make judgments of the biological parents as "being bad parents" before even hearing their stories. The minute they remove the child is not when the investigation is done, they investigate after removing the child. By that time, they have evaluated the living arrangements of a parents home, evaluated and questioned kids, sometimes neighbors or the report caller. DCFS has already written a report on these things prior to talking with the parents – and made their judgments. At that point, when the parent comes in, the caseworker is already biased against the parent and does give that parents stories much credibility. This is the situation that these young girls mother found herself in.

Dear TJNEWS, I am so glad you were able to find this forumand read for yourself ( although painfulI'm sure) all the sincere and insightful entries written inunwavering support of Mistee and Amber. People that haveshared their individual negative and uncomfortable experiencesthat many personally and collectivly witnessed unfairand unwarranted abusive mistreatment of the girls over theyears by the Gaskill family. The many examples given are nodoubt heartbreaking for the girls mom and relatives likeyourselves; as you have stated the BIOLOGICAL FAMILY tragically all to often due to the complete FAILURE andINCOMPETENCY of DCFS, as in this case with the girls, arethe LAST TO KNOW. DCFS'S failed the girls on every level;from the time of placement and throughout their lives.If DCFS was truly competent and supervising the Gaskillhome with unannounced visits; as well as giving the girlsopportunities to speak privately with caseworkers as wellas their own mom, the girls would have been spared thesenseless suffering they were made to endure living witha so called "family" that MG reasured the girls motherthat the girls were "FINE" and not to worry about them..What would MG and her precious family dowithout the INCOME from the state each month do withoutthat money coming in each month? MG and her selfishself and mind-set went to work on trying to convince the girls mom to allow the girls to be legally adopted.MG like thecunning and convincinig liar that she is, more than likelylisted convincing reasons why the adoption would be a good ideaas she could give the girls so much more and no doubtreferenced the "PERFECT" meetings with the girls and theirmom with the "PERFECT" outfits and that the girls werethriving and so "LUCKY" to be growing up in such a "PERFECT"Christian "Loving" home; always attending church and churchactivities. ) and every lie Mary deviously made upto plead her case as to why it would be so much "BETTER"for the girls and not DISRUPT their "PERFECT " lives. Sadly, everything MG toldthe girls mom was a total lie as well as the "Perfect"outwardly appearances of the girls on their visits withtheir mom. It really is sickening; but sadly theGaskill family is not nor have ever been the people they wantedtheir community and especially their church community tobelieve who they really are.DCFS needs to take responsibilityfor their lack of stringent supervision and lack of protectionof the girls having to live in the "PERFECT" home with the"PERFECT" family in a "PERFECT" house on a "PERFECT" blockwith a "PERFECT WHITE PICKET FENCE" with a path paved ingold that really does not EXSIST except in the "PERFECT"mind of MG and entire family; and so called Christianfriends that have not yet faced reality and woken up fromtheir sleep from what has been nothing but a "PERFECT"NIGHTMARE. Thank God you are all reunited and….. Happy Mother's Day MOM!

Is there any concern out there that the two girls came together to report this so many years later? How is that kept a secret? I assume that no friends, teachers, doctors, case workers or other children in the house were never told. Was there any acting out sexually with the two girls after the alleged abuse. It's obvious that 99% of all who post here support the claims made by the two girls. Does any of the above make you wonder?

So let me address each of your questions since many will not want to read 19 pages.Your first question is about reporting this information years later and together. The fact sheet that is sourced with real studies says that delaying the reporting is common and that the AVERAGE time between cessation of child abuse and reporting is 12 YEARS. So, as for delay in reporting, this case could be classified as a quick report.It also states that 42% of women did not disclose their abuse until the survey which indicates that this is not a topic that people like discussing. It also states that 85.3% to 97% of perpetrators are by an adult that the child knows. So, that is another reason why support is high for the alleged victims in this case. This case is getting its day in court and everyone here will abide by whatever ruling that comes down.

Next you assume that others did not know. I don't know where you are getting that from. Many commenters here who know them felt something was not right. Again I point back to the statistic that 42% of women don't disclose the abuse unless asked.

You last question was about sexually acting out.There are short and long term psychological, behavioral and physical problems that CAN occur but not everyone who was sexually abused sexually acts out.

Page 6 of the pdf, question 16 asks if children maliciously fabricate sex abuse allegations. Studies show that 0-2% of the time this happens.Anything is possible anytime and this case may fall into that category. That is why we have a court system in this country. He will get his day in court.

Hello~ Does anyone know how manipulated, frightened and literaly paraylized from the sheer terror of what these girls had to live with in a household that family dynamics were very dysfunctional and complicated; as the enviornment was abusive and the chief in charge no doubt terrifyied these girls their entire life while living in that house. These girls came forward because they were FINALLY FREEof this prison, and reclaimed their life; exposing the horribleabuse they suffered and no doubt articulated what their horriblechildhood was like (which people can attest to and have and will continue to write to the state attorney office)that supportwhat no doubt they described BEFORE this forum even exsisted.Why don't you unintelligent people read about what RALLYhas posted that can not be disputed and is well researchedand documented which I'm sure the prosecution attorneys know all too well as tragically they have had other RGS to prosecutewhen abused youg adults or older adults finally come forwardto reclaim their life, face the accused, seek justice andfinally take back the self esteem that was taken away from them;as it is very healing realizing it was never about you beinga worthless human being, and not your fault in any way.Then and only then can you see clearly who is the worthlesshuman being is and reclaim your life and self esteem andbegin liking and even loving yourself and you will be able to live a healthy life trustingand being able to give love to others and have healthyrelatioships that become possible because you valuedyourself and bravely came forward facing the person thatonce had power over you and turning the tables and realizefinally you are the one that has the power that you neverhad and you no longer a victim and you are finally FREE.

Dear, TRUE BLOOD and FAMILY, I would like to take this time to wish your mom (who is nothing like the Gaskills said her) a VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. Mom of the girls, I read the two entries so well articulated by your sister-inlaw (I am assuming as she is the aunt of your other beautiful daughter) and I was so moved as you had the unfortunate experiences of actually speaking with Mary when you were seriously wanting to be reunited with your beautiful daughters; as you were able to do after what obviously was another living nightmare for you thanks to DCFS and their total broken system that would rather pay negligent and abusive parents (until something really horrible happens, like when DCFS called you at 2am in the morning and telling you they were removing your boys from the abusive and negligent home and seperating them as well. Thank God you were the MOMMA GRIZZLY BEAR and fought I'm sure a hard fought campaign and your dear boys are where they belong, with a mother without any help, made a life overcoming so many severe losses in your life; as circumstances of losing your huband with little children that you were so distraught and depressed that you needed time to heal fully so you could support them and be reunited with all of them and be the loving family that you so desperately wanted and God bless you worked very hard to achieve. There are no words to describe how being reunited with your precious children must feel; I am so emotional thinking about all of you as every mother knows ( even though we were not in your shoes) just how much you love your children, and I'm sure you will have the most joyous MOTHERS DAY EVER. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE

To the person that asked if the girls acted out sexually? Are you kidding? Are you totally in the dark about the strict rules the girls had to abide just to stay in good graces from MGS verbal as well as punative punishment ( such as the girls had to clean bathrooms scrub toilets, help with the other fst children an on and on and on? These girls could not snezze without MG knowing about it; and the question really is quite insulting and ignorant of facts that children that have been abuse are so fragile as they are carrying around a burden that if anything they will have to overcome with professional help to (when they meet Mr. Right) trust, and feel really loved and realize finally that they need to close that book in their life and put it so high out of reach. Like any emotional trauma (even reciving professional help) like any other tramatic experience in one's life it will open up the wound a bit; but they will know how to get it out of their mind and not let the trauma victimize them once again. None of this is going to happen overnight; and DCFS better provide professional psychological services by well qualified psycholgists that have treated these traumas that victims fom abuse or rape have to learn how to let go and develop' coping skills to help themselves if and when that wound opens especially in the first few years. Do you still want the question answered about these emotionally and psychological wounded girls "ACTING OUT" sexually in any way shape or form? Also,it is clear that you do not know these girls at all, because if you did you would not have shown how uneducated you are in tha area of child psychology and the very fragile nature of children that are sexually abused. Here is a tip for you, go to the library and do some reading in child psych as ell as sexual abuse of children as in this case suffered that and more in a house that they should have been removed and returned to their birth mother a lon g time ago. When you do some extensive reading then see if you need to ask such a ridicoulos and derogatory question about two girls that suffered something that you can not comprehend and that if it happened in your family you would be outraged at someone that is as ignorant as you.

Hello –
Thanks for the moderation and education on this thread. I found the information you provided about sex abuse very interesting especially “the fact sheet that is sourced with real studies says that delaying the reporting is common and that the AVERAGE time between cessation of child abuse and reporting is 12 YEARS.”

Just wanted to thank you for this site and your efforts to bring attention to problems in the Child Welfare World.

TJNEWS, I don’t think it’s right to publicly bash the biological children. I don’t agree that it’s okay for comments like “if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have anything” to be made, but in the end siblings say things that are terrible at times and I’m sure those comments have been wildly exaggerated into something more than normal sibling fights. Cut the kids a break. You complain about your step-nieces being in a bad situation, so don’t put the other children in a bad situation by putting them down either. It’s not their fault that they were given things in their life that their siblings may or may not have been given (if that is the case). It certainly isn’t right, but it’s not their fault either. They most likely didn’t know any better. They are good people from the bottom of their hearts. I don’t know about Mary, but I know that’s true for her children. And we all have our flaws and moments of acting out of line and saying things that we shouldn’t. I’m sure everyone is guilty of that, including the victims. But this whole case is not about the relationship of the siblings, it’s about the parents (or parent, Rob, in particular).

Dear NAME and other bloggers
I dont exactly know how my message was perceived as bashing the biological children. Children follow what their parents do a majority, of of the time. For example “swearing”, if parents use foul language at home on a regular basis, chances are the children will also swear habitually. So I was mentioned things that were said by the biological kids as an extension of MGS emotional abuse towards the girls.
By the way, does anyone know that MGS has had 4 new children placed in her care? Also the girls were NEVER adopted but forced to use the Gaskill name in school, etc. Seems there is something illegal about that! MGS was also admonished in court by DCFS for her statements about the biological family to my neice in 2010. Its a matter of record that she bashed the girls family and tried to destroy the girls relationship with their biological family also. I have not heard personally on my email from any annonymous’ who can expound upon MGS treatment of the girls. Please contact me directly so that there can be no reprecussion toward you by MGS. As I state d earlier, I would like to get the girls proper representation. My e-mail is dreamingwolf711@juno.com. Thanks for supporting MISTEE and AMBER!

By the way RALLY when is the June courtdate for RGS? All supporters of the girls would like to know.

Thanks for keeping vigilant! I was posting our update 9 with this information as you were posting the comment. I am glad that they are publishing the next hearing date as I am sure most people who support the girls were unaware of the July 2 status hearing and that is why there was the support of Robert.

The girls will never forget what happened to them. Their families will not forget what they went through with the Gaskill family. The public may cool off or lose interest as this may end up taking a long time to see justice served, but I personally vowed to see this through all the way to the end and that is what I am going to do. The girls need continued support they have a long road ahead of them and hopefully their will be support for their families also. The next court date is set for Aug. 29th. Please be there for them I know it meant alot to them as I was able to talk breifly with them after the last time they were in court.
Mrs. F. N.

Joe, I do not know what your neighbor’s story has to do with anything in this case. These 2 girls have alleged 13 YEARS of abuse (that would mean it started when they were ages 3 and 5)That is not “one accusation.” He didn’t start fostering them when they were teens. He HAS been indicted by a grand jury who heard evidence that must have met a threshold. Please read all of the comments and the backstory on this man. Community members are saying that they still had a sibling in the home that they were worried about, supposedly one of the two foster children removed from the home after the arrest.

so false accusations could only come from “female” foster children?
It would be terrible, terrible if these were false accusations against Gaskill, but it appears there was enough evidence for the grand jury to indict and also let’s not forget that he admitted to guilt when initially charged.

Dear Joe:
I know that false accusations could be devestating, however, it would be a terrible tragedy to not believe a child over a grown human being who should know better. Children do not have the capacity to be that vicious without cause. Just look at the accusations and then guilty verdict of Mr. Sandusky, who claimed his innocence until the end. Look at his victims, grown men who were unable to cope with or maybe even internalize what happened to them under the care of a program designed to assist them have “fuller richer lives” than their parents could. When these things happen to children, they may be so young that they do not “know the wrongful actions of adults taking care of them”. These girls were so young when they were placed in the care of the Gaskills, I don’t believe they knew it was something terrible being thrust upon them. Psychologically, it takes years for the realization and then the trauma begins to overwhelm them after they realized this was so wrong. This is true of all children, boys and girls who are sexually molested at a young age not just Mistee and Amber. As a health care provider, you must have been counseled to have a nurse or assistant in the room when examining teenage girls for their protection and yours. Its seems now we should have the same protections for teenage boys!

I don’t see where in any of the articles it says he confessed. It says the cop “says” he confessed but it DOES NOT say they have any written or audio proof. Now I’m no lawyer but I am a smart person who knows cops can and will lie to get you to say things. Where is the proof he confessed? You cannot just assume someone is guilty before being proven guilty! If anything I’ve seen how corrupt the justice system is and most times I’ve witnessed people who want to win a case more than they want to get to the truth. I can only comment based on the articles you posted, but if this man isn’t guilty the damage it is doing to his name and family is very apparent here. I would like to see people treated fairly until proven they are not guilty. I used to think in this country it was innocent until proven guilty but lately I have not seen this at all.

Anonymous, the articles do not disclose all of the evidence for *obvious* reasons, but yes the cop has testified under oath that there was a confession. A grand jury indicted him. That is a big deal. You are a “smart” person that “knows” that cops lie? Great general statement there! What does that have to do with this particular case? I would like adoptees and foster children and everyone else for that matter NOT to be abused. The legal process is still ongoing. We will update this case with whatever happens. Why don’t you want the victims treated fairly? Is it “fair” to call them liars? Because that is what you are saying. If it didn’t happen, then they are liars. You seem to have no problem saying that THEY are guilty of lying. Why is that? Do you have any understanding of sexual abuse?

I assume if the grand jury indicted him it is based on the word of the cop. THE WORD. I guess we will have to wait until the trail to see if he pleads guilty or not. I just think it’s odd that they have no mention of a written or audio statement. I just think it’s wrong to judge someone before they’ve been proven guilty. A cops word in my opinion is not enough. No one is perfect. Things like this are what make many people I know turned off from adopting or fostering children. I just think rushing to judgement in these types of cases has made even me never want to take in foster children which all my life I thought I might do one day. I know we have to take these allegations seriously but people can’t risk it. Also in my opinion a guilty person wouldn’t just willing go down to the police station with cops. That part seemed odd too.

Anonymous, why do you assume that there is no other evidence? Wrong to judge someone? We are not judges or the jury. We are discussing the case. This “wrong to judge someone” is the common excuse that people give when they can’t think of anything else to say.We have plenty of cases in which a “guilty person” goes willing to the station with cops. Not odd at all. He is a huge ego. You have not taken that into account in your assumptions.

I just came across this. But one thing I noticed in reading other cases like Jerry Sandusky or the catholic priests is that once someone came forward, more victims came forward. It says in an article this family had many foster children. I assume they interviewed them and there were no other children who saw anything during that time? If there were that many then there would have been many case workers at the house. Did they see nothing? If something did happen this looks more like the Jaycee Dugard case and maybe the state should be responsible for not doing anything earlier. Why did no one else from all the other children see anything? In my house if anything like that had happened to one of my siblings we’d have known. There was no time that you could really be alone for very long. Just something to think about.

Anonymous, sometimes that is the case and sometimes only a few children are abused in that way. We have seen cases turn out both ways. IN this case, his wife did work so that did leave gaps of time where she was not in the home. We hope that they looked at the other children that were fostered. It has not been reported one way or the other.

I know for a fact that other foster children formerly in the care of the Gaskills have NOT been contacted, notified or interviewed by DCFS regarding this case. It doesn’t seem that DCFS is looking to be certain that there are no other victims.

Even if there are no other victims in this case does anyone know if any of the Gaskill family still have any of the children in their care? I thought I read somewhere that the biological brother has taken some of the children into his home. Guilty or not I personally feel that none of the Gaskills should be allowed to care for any children untill this is settled. Even then after reading all of the information about Mary Gaskill she should never be allowed to take care of any children.